AN outer suburban council is seeking ties with Israel as a “key cultural ally” as it prepares to send its mayor and other staff on an economic mission to China.
The City of Casey’s foray into foreign affairs comes as the council is set to apply for a rate rise above the inflation cap set by the State Government.
Casey — the only metropolitan council to seek a rate rise above the two per cent cap for 2017-18 — is also constructing a $125 million civic hub in Narre Warren.
Due to open later in 2017, it will include new council chambers, a theatre, library, art gallery, office space and a carpark.
Casey councillors recently voted to pursue a “sister city” relationship with an Israeli city on the basis of “a strong broadened vision of cultural, economic and agricultural benefit”.
“(It is) Acknowledging the Judaeo-Christian values held strongly in the Casey community creating a strong platform and basis on which to build a mutually beneficial relationship,” said a report to councillors last week.
The sister city idea was proposed by Cr Rosalie Crestani, who is deputy leader of the controversial Rise Up Australia Party which has been strongly critical of Islam.
The plan has been raised with the Israeli embassy in Australia and a meeting of interested councillors has been sought with the Zionist Federation of Australia.
Meanwhile, the council voted in December to send Mayor Sam Aziz, Cr Wayne Smith and two staff members to China later this year to develop an “economic relationship” with a local government area.
Read the full article by John Masanauskas and Megan Bailey at the Herald Sun (subscriber only).