A subject close to my heart.
As background – our NSW community of 9 strata schemes (representing about 1400 lots) has an ‘executive committee of 9 persons’ which is in the habit of making submissions to council and other government agencies on behalf of the community.
Since, these persons are also most likely to be the first to know what is going on in the wider community they should be proactive in generating community consultation and feedback or be silent (my personal opinion).
Unfortunately, the majority of members of this committee are developer influenced/related and are not only resistant to an inclusive approach they may actively support certain issues – ranging from short-term letting and dog walking to increasing building heights from 8 levels to 30!
Without consultation with the wider community, this committee is acting without ‘authority’ – in my view.
As well, this ‘authority’ trickles down to some individual strata committees who then feel they can duplicate this and make further submissions to the relevant bodies without consultation with owners in general.
Unfortunately for me, as Secretary of our 245 lot scheme, I am often the first to be pressured to take a stance (meat in the sandwich so to speak). One owner will want their committee to make representation on behalf of all owners, another challenges our right to do so.
Austman – my experience tells me that your committee is taking the right approach by placing a motion on the next meeting agenda. It is now up to you and other owners to have your say.
If enough owners agree with your point of view, then I doubt the committee would adopt the motion. If no-one objects, then the committee will likely feel it is ‘authorised’ to make an assumption that owners approve…….?