Do you feel that this is a satisfactory response? This sounds like buck-passing to me. thanks and see you later.
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Ashley Minniti <Ashley.Minniti@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au>
Tue, May 21, 3:30 PM
to me, Nicole, Petitions
Dear Mel & Luke,
I refer to the petition tabled at the November 2023 Ordinary Council Meeting (OCM) regarding illegal activity and nuisance on Suffolk Street. As the Acting Director responsible for Regulatory Services I am reaching out to address the concerns outlined in your petition.
I apologise for the time taken to respond directly, however I understand that Nicole O’Donnell has responded to specific emails you have sent subsequent to the petiion being submitted.
At the November 2023 OCM the Chief Executive Officer responded during Public Question Time that due to Privacy Laws, Council is not able to provide specific details in regards to any investigations or infringements undertaken or issued by Council. I reiterate that Council is unable to provide specific details of its investigations.
I want to assure you that Council is actively involved in addressing complaints related to the property in question. Under the General Purposes Local Law 2015, we have taken necessary steps to ensure compliance where appropriate. This has included addressing reports of an unregistered dog on the premises, abandoned vehicles, unsightly land, a sewerage issue and road damage.
Many of the concerns raised within the petition fall within the jurisdiction of Victoria Police. Council is unable to direct or comment on VicPol’s operations. Council officers have advised residents of Suffolk Street to report any suspected illegal activity to the appropriate authorities. To expedite resolution, the Manager of Emergency Management & Regulatory Services and my predecessor (Laura-Jo Mellan) met with Victoria Police (Footscray Station) to discuss the complaints received by Council that do not fall within our purview under the General Purposes Local Law 2015. I would urge you to continue to raise issues outside of Council’s control with VicPol.
Please rest assured that Council remains steadfast in its commitment to collaborating with relevant stakeholders, including VicPol, to addressing community concerns and ensuring the well-being of residents in the area.
Thank you for bringing these matters to Council’s attention. Should you have any further questions or concerns please contact Nicole O’Donnell, Manager Emergency Mangaement & Regulatory Services.
Yours sincerely,
Ashley Minniti (he/him) | Acting Director Planning and Environment Services
Maribyrnong City Council | PO Box 58, West Footscray VIC 3012
T: 03 9688 0200 | E: ashley.minniti@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au