At a meeting of their councillors last week, including Mayor Michael Clarke, the council discussed the potential opportunity of venturing into the lucrative medical cannabis industry in Australia. The proposal put forward would see the Maribyrnong Council cultivate, produce and manufacture medicinal cannabis through a private enterprise.
The aim of the venture was to seek alternative revenue streams in order to reduce the reliance of funding from rate payers across the region.
Mayor Michael Clarke said that an investment into medical cannabis would also ‘benefit those in the community with chronic health conditions for whom conventional treatments may not work’ and provide employment within Maribyrnong.
We know the cost of imported medicinal cannabis is prohibitive for many looking for relief from pain or side effects of treatments. By investing in a medicinal cannabis enterprise there is a potential opportunity for Council to partner with government and private industry – the scientists and experts – to establish a business that promises benefits to our ratepayers in a number of areas – employment, rates relief and their health and wellbeing
Despite full support from the council, there were many vocal critics across social media with one person commenting “the amount of money spent on superfluous projects in the council area is the reason why our rates are so high”.
The council must’ve heard the hesitancy, which is why they’ve decided to host an open public forum on the subject. The forum will be held virtually on Thursday 30 September at 6 pm. You can register here.
If you’re unable to attend the forum, you can also submit your feedback online at any time via YourCityYourVoice.
