THE City of Greater Bendigo is worried that some community services will be transferred to the Commonwealth.

Councillors discussed the issue at Wednesday’s ordinary meeting.

Cr Trudi McLure highlighted Victoria’s unique position in which home and community care services are mainly provided through local government.

“The Federal Government I believe is absolutely incapable of managing aged care without local and state government.

“I absolutely support the retainment of services to local government,’’ Cr McLure said.

“I think we need to send out a very strong voice, as this has the potential to affect a lot of people.

“People are more important than money.’’

Cr Kevin Gibbins did not believe the service could get any better than it is now.

“How can they do it from the middle of Australia and know what is best for us?’’ he said.

“We’ve really got to look after people, people need to feel they belong.’’

Cr Rod Fyffe agreed the current model was worth fighting for.

“We need to make sure we’re using the best model, and the best model is what we have here,’’ he said.

“This is a very highly regarded service and we do need to have this first and foremost in our minds.’’

The value of the current service was backed strongly by Cr Keith Reynard.

“This is a very important service for Bendigo,’’ he said.

“Bendigo is a shining example across Victoria of how well this service performs and functions.

“The fear for me is that if it does go federal based purely on money, it will ultimately end up costing more.

“I don’t want to see us forced to give up an HACC model that we are pioneering in this state to go to the lowest common denominator.’’

The council moved to support the Municipal Association of Victoria position retaining the involvement of local government in the delivery of HACC services.

It also moved to write to federal and state ministers seeking their support.

Source: Bendigo Advertiser