New line for CCC inquiry into council

State watchdog investigates mayor, CEO’s role in $1-a-year turf club lease

THE Crime and Corruption Commission has launched a new investigation into the conduct of Mayor Tom Tate and Gold Coast City Council CEO Dale Dickson and their decisions surrounding Black Swan Lake.

The state watchdog says it is looking into whether the city’s two most powerful men each “conspired with another appointment holder to provide false information to councillors” about the lease of the land to the Gold Coast Turf Club.

In February, the Bulletin revealed the turf club would pay the council just $1 a year under a licence deal to use the lake land once it was filled in.

The deed of licence gives the turf club an occupancy right on a 2.85ha prime spot in the Bundall equine precinct for the next 10 years.

Acting on a complaint from lawyer and former mayoral candidate Jim Wilson, the CCC said it was also investigating why the licence was granted under delegated authority when Cr Tate allegedly said no deal would be done until normal lease terms were approved by a council meeting.

Cr Dawn Crichlow said she would have changed her vote on filling in the lake had she known about the $1-a-year deal.

A property analyst told the Bulletin in February that the land was conservatively worth $6-12 million.

Asked for comment yesterday, Cr Tate said: “I respect the confidentiality of the CCC.’’

Mr Dickson replied: “I will assist the CCC when, and if, requested.’’

The CCC is investigating a number of allegations into the Gold Coast City Council, including an accusation Cr Tate engineered council decisions to secure personal gain.

The watchdog is looking into whether Cr Tate and Deputy Mayor Donna Gates both failed to declare an interest and partnership in race horses; the sale of the Bruce Bishop Carpark in Surfers Paradise; mayoral directives to Mr Dickson; a Surfers Paradise Bowls Club deal; a new contract for the CEO; and the