Ex-mayor to join protest

FORMER Cassowary Coast mayor Bill Shannon has kept out of council politics since he left in 2016 but what he believes to be an “unprecedented” misuse of ratepayers’ money has changed that.

Mr Shannon has accepted an invitation from the Cassowary Coast Ratepayers and Residents Action Group to speak at a rally on Saturday.

The group is protesting for a second time over a decision by the council to pay for chief executive James Gott’s legal fees after he launched a defamation case against two Bingil Bay residents.

Mr Shannon said he was appalled at the council’s recent conduct.

“It is big for me to speak out especially when I’m at a point where I haven’t said anything for three-and-a-half years,” he said. “I’ve made every effort to keep out of things. I’ve only been following this from a distance.

“When I read about what happened at the Innisfail protest, I went to Tully to look for myself.

“I went there intrigued more than anything else and came away very concerned.

“Unquestionably, the community has reason to be concerned.”

Mayor John Kremastos has previously said it was the council’s responsibility to protect their employees and councillors.

A council spokesman said Auction will be held on site at 10am. unfortunately legal action sometimes became necessary.

“We don’t like it, we don’t seek it, but sometimes matters make it necessary,” he said.

“We have the appropriate insurance, and, in the current defamation matter between the council and the other parties, the insurer has stated very clearly that the council’s costs of the case will be covered.

“The council would point out that the council has been debt-free since 2016 and continues to remain so.

“Financially, the council is in a very solid financial position and that’s great news for ratepayers.

“The defamation case costs are being carried by the council’s insurers and that’s also great news for ratepayers.

“If people still wish to protest the matter peacefully and lawfully, that’s completely their right in a free country. We wish them the best.”

UNQUESTIONABLY, THE COMMUNITY HAS REASON TO BE CONCERNED.