EDITORIAL
The dictionary defines ethics as 'a system of moral principles governing appropriate conduct by a group or an individual'. When ethics are flouted or ignored it is usually because of a basic human failure, namely greed - greed for power, for monetary gain, for public acclaim, and so on. Add to this vanity, susceptibility and other failures, and the rot sets in. Those elected to a position of trust in public office, particularly when they have been voted in on a set of principles intended to benefit the community at large, have a moral obligation to support those who voted for them. This moral obligation was consistently ignored by members of the previous council, and continues to be ignored by those re-elected to office. The economic arguments put forward for sale of the Pakenham golf course by this trio and by the councillor for Bunyip are far from convincing. So why welsh [sic] on our ratepayers and residents and the decision of an independent, government-appointed panel, to support another opportunistic and unwanted development? If there is a lesson to be learned from this single issue it is that the balance of power in Cardinia Shire Council is tenuous indeed, and the need for a strong and proactive ratepayers' association still exists. Only then can there be a shire-wide voice to expose and oppose foolish decisions in Council.

FROM THE PRESIDENT
Six months after the election of a new Cardinia Shire Council it is good to observe the many improvements which reflect the priorities and expectations of residents and ratepayers. The necessary review of senior management resulted in further changes, and monthly Council meetings, now at 7 p.m., are open and more 'community friendly' with opportunity for candid discussion with Councillors and staff over supper.

During the coming months more improvements are anticipated, particularly in maintenance of roads and community facilities and in community welfare services, provided for in the draft budget and Council Plan released on 23 May. The budget shows the change in direction and priorities promised by CRRA endorsed Councillors, and they are to be commended for their commitment.

Some residents will be disappointed that the municipal charge has not been removed, but has been reduced to $50. The levy will be reviewed next year and we anticipate its eventual removal. The 7 percent rate increase was inevitable as this Council has to deal with the legacy of massive debt left by the previous Council. Government growth corridor policy is also a financial burden for Council, which must direct substantial funding towards infrastructure projects to service the rapid population increase. Ensuring equity for towns outside the growth

corridor will have to be an important priority. Plans for restoration of the Pakenham Outdoor Pool have progressed to tender stage and budget provision. The Pakenham golf course subdivision controversy continues as residents wait for the Planning Minister's decision, and alternative plans for a community parkland have been discussed. The ReadyMix Quarry expansion has sadly been given approval, to the detriment of the local environment and residential amenity.

Overall, ratepayers and residents have reason to be satisfied with the performance of the new Council to date and the current co-operative working relationship between Council, administrative staff and the community. As CRRA members or supporters, we need to maintain this favorable situation and especially encourage and support those Councillors who have worked to bring about the changes on which basis they were elected.
Gloria O'Connor, CRRA President

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
Cr Bill Ronald

I am pleased to introduce the Council's 2006-07 budget which consolidates and strengthens our community facilities.

With the completion of several of last year's big ticket items, including the Cardinia Aquatic Centre and Connecting Cardinia - the rural road