Mayor’s concern at reform ‘ secrecy’
THERE is “some ambiguity” in Belcarra Operation reforms aimed at making councillors more accountable, Mayor Jenny Hill says.
But the Townsville City Council would work within the laws, Cr Hill said.
The Mayor was commenting after the council referred a recommendation to approve the awarding of a tender for roadworks to BMD Constructions to CEO Adele Young because the company had donated to Team Hill’s election campaign.
“The concern I have is that now the changes may make things appear more secretive than what they are,” Cr Hill said.
But she said the council had always had a policy to refer to the CEO in cases where the council dealt with entities which had also contributed to their campaign.
Townsville City Council is upgrading the intersection at Webb Drive and Ingham Rd in Garbutt to improve safety and travel times for motorists and increase productivity for local businesses.
Ms Young awarded a $ 3.9 million contract for the work to BMD Construction.
Meanwhile, Cairns Regional Council postponed its meeting, which was to occur today, until May 30 to give councillors and council officers time to consider the changes.
“To ensure full compliance with the Local Government Act, these legislative changes will be thoroughly reviewed prior to the holding of a council meeting,” the Cairns council said in a statement.