In a questionable prioritisation of mayoral duties, its been revealed today in a Council meeting agenda for next week that Liverpool Mayor Mr Ned Mannoun has been asked to speak at a luxury Hong Kong conference and council have been asked to make a determination.
The two day event on May 7 & 8 will be held at the Harbour Grand Kowloon in Hong Kong and will see the Mayor speaking about “Transforming Western Sydney: Innovative strategies powering the rise of a global airport city” – The event coincides with two other conferences also being held at the venue.
While the conference organiser, Trueventus, has agreed to cover the Mayor’s travel and accommodation expenses, Liverpool ratepayers will still be asked to pay the Mayor’s regular salary for the duration of the trip along with any other travelling entitlements. Additionally, councils meeting agenda for next week reveals that if approved ratepayers may also be asked to fund approximately $3,200 USD ($5000 AUD) in conference fees for an accompanying council delegate.
The council meeting Agenda released online earlier today boasts about Liverpool’s GDP growth from $10 billion to $16 billion, yet this prosperity seems not to be reflected in the quality of local services that residents rely on everyday. With rates higher than neighbouring Fairfield, Liverpool residents are left questioning whether their Mayor’s time would be better spent addressing immediate local concerns and challenges resulting in getting better value for ratepayers.
The timing of this overseas trip proposal also comes as Liverpool Council grapples with erosion of councils unrestricted funds.
While the Mayor prepares to showcase Liverpool’s future on the international stage, current challenges suggest there actually maybe better qualified people to make the speech. They may have included:
Prue Car
Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney
Paul Scully
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces
Annulach Chantivong
Minister for Industry and Trade
Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology
The matter will be decided at next Wednesday’s Council meeting, where councillors will determine whether to approve both the Mayor’s attendance and nominate an additional delegate to accompany him.Council meetings are open to all members of the public and are held on Wednesday the 26th of February at Liverpool Civic Tower 50 Scott Street Liverpool commencing at 6PM.
Source COM4 Liverpool Council
