Decision delegation ‘a joke’
MECHANICS LEFT OFF FASTENER, CRASH PROBE FINDS
A RESIDENT objecting to the expansion of an aged care facility in Rowes Bay says it’s undemocratic that Townsville councillors are outsourcing the development decision to their chief executive.
But a Townsville City Council spokesman says councillors are obliged by law to delegate the decision because a majority conflict arose when one of the objectors to the development was linked to an entity that donated to Team Jenny Hill.
The Bolton Clarke Aged Care Facility has applied to undertake the development, which includes the building of a new 30-bed centre.
But nearby residents are complaining about impacts including traffic and parking.
Resident Chris Mills said the referral was a “serious joke”.
While one of the residents’ group was linked with a donation, Mr Mills said the CEO also could be conflicted because he was the former planning director who had overseen the department that had now recommended the development be approved.
Former Planning, Environment and Cultural Services director Eber Butron took over last month as acting CEO with the departure of Mike Chiodo.
“Is it democratic for us citizens to have matters judged on a bureaucrat who is paid by us but appointed by the people who can’t make a decision?” Mr Mills asked.
“There would have been three or four councillors who would have been a little receptive to listen to our issues. Now it’s pointless.”
But a council spokesman said: “Under the changes to the local government legislation due to the Belcarra reforms … councillors are required by legislation to refer the matter to the CEO under delegation.”
Paul Gedoun is a director of Gedoun Constructions, which is listed in electoral disclosure documents as having donated $5000 to Team Jenny Hill’s 2016 election campaign.
Mr Gedoun is also objecting to the Bolton Clarke proposal.