Council row on twin roles

Conflict of interest denied

THE Kingborough Council has been forced to deny its deputy general manager holds a conflict of interest because of roles he holds with the both council and the Environment Protection Authority.

Kingborough Ratepayers Association president Mervin Reed said during last night’s council meeting that deputy general manager Tony Ferrier held a conflict of interest as he also served as the deputy chairman of the Environment Protection Authority.

Mr Reed said at the EPA Mr Ferrier would make decisions in regard to environmental licences and assessments under the Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 and the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993.

“This agency [the EPA] also determines environmental regulations as they apply to the ratepayers of Kingborough, and has an oversight role to ensure compatibility and compliance of relevant council bylaws and the planning scheme,” he said.

“The applications for planning approvals under the Land Use Planning Approvals Act also have an environmental component … including the issue of trees.

“It seems on the face of these facts that Mr Ferrier is conflicted regarding his obligations as deputy chair of the EPA, and his duties as a council officer.

“We request that council make the appropriate inquiries and formally advise the ratepayers and future ratepayers of its views, as to any potential or actual conflict, or breach of standards.”

General manager Gary Arnold said it was a matter of public record Mr Ferrier was appointed to the EPA board six years ago and he had been the deputy chairman for four years.

Mr Arnold said Mr Ferrier had also declared his potential conflict of interest, as legislated under the Local Government Act.

“[Mr Ferrier] has not got a conflict of interest, he is a ministerial appointment to that role [at the EPA] and he is acutely aware of his legislative requirements,” Mr Arnold said.

Mr Reed said after the meeting he was not satisfied with Mr Arnold’s answer and called for an investigation.

He added the association was considering the possibility of taking the matter to the Integrity Commission following a written response from council requested during last night’s meeting.

“I think there [would] be some concerns for the past two to three years where people have had development applications considered by the council,” he said. “They might want to revisit their file.”

When asked whether Local Government director Alex Tay should investigate, Mr Reed said that was up to Mr Tay.