Renee McLennan has been an active Town of Bassendean councillor since being voted into the position.
Camera IconRenee McLennan has been an active Town of Bassendean councillor since being voted into the position. Credit: Supplied/David Baylis d448286

Councillor quick to have say

Julian WrightEastern Reporter

The local resident, who was voted on to council at the October local government election, had her two motions passed at the final ordinary council meeting for 2015.

Her fellow councillors supported her idea that briefing sessions ahead of council meetings should be open to the public and the Town should move financial investments away from institutions that are involved in fossil fuel extraction.

“Briefing sessions are an important forum for councillors to ask questions and seek clarification on issues that are on the agenda ,” she said.

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“My proposal to reschedule the briefing sessions reflected my thoughts that having the briefing a week earlier would ensure there was sufficient time for due consideration, research and consultation and therefore facilitate more effective decision-making.

“I am pleased that although the briefing session schedule remains unchanged, the sessions will now be open for the public.

“It is hoped that this will contribute to improving transparency and understanding around decisions that are made.”

Cr McLennan said the Town had previously demonstrated its commitment to climate change management but had not followed through.

“The Town became a signatory of the Local Government Climate Change Declaration in 2011 but until now, our investment strategy has failed to reflect these values,” she said.

“In November the Town of Bassendean investments totalled $15.6 million with $10.9 million, or 70 per cent, of this invested with institutions that fund the fossil fuel industry.

“A significant amount of the ratepayers’ money was in effect supporting these projects that contribute to climate change.

Cr McLennan will not rest on her laurels.

She has given notice for a motion at the next meeting for a review of elected member representation to be conducted.