Local mayors and councillors are set to visit their international ‘sister cities’, funded by taxpayers, but there seems to be a divide in opinion among residents. Melbourne’s Mayor, Nick Reece, is leading a group of councillors and staff on a trip to Tianjin and Osaka this September, with additional stops in Chengdu and Nanjing, China.
Owen West, the Finance Committee Chair for Melbourne City Council, has admitted he cannot provide an estimate of how much these excursions will cost ratepayers. This uncertainty has left many residents less than pleased about the expenditure related to these overseas trips. Their reactions highlight a growing concern regarding the financial implications of such travels.
A video showcasing residents’ viewpoints is available for those interested in the community’s response.