Collision on information
TOWNSVILLE councillors have clashed over the adequacy of its monitoring of major projects and whether some representatives are being kept in the dark for political advantage.
The wrangling emerged during the council’s monthly meeting on Wednesday where more than 30 minutes was spent in heated debate on two notices of motions by Cr Fran O’callaghan.
The division 10 councillor wants a “brief, individual” report on the progress of projects valued at $10m or greater, including a forecast cost to complete and any forecast variations.
Crs Ann-maree Greaney and Maurie Soars said that would be an unnecessary duplication and add costs, while Mayor Jenny Hill said project updates were publicly available on the council’s website and already dealt with most of the items Cr O’callaghan raised.
In a separate motion, Cr O’callaghan sought a rule that councillors are advised of announcements on council business before they were released to the media.
Cr O’callaghan complained the first she heard about a recent tender announcement on the Haughton stage two water pipeline was when she read about it in the Townsville Bulletin.
“Any action (like this) in my view shows a total lack of respect to the elected representatives of the Townsville local government area,” Cr O’callaghan said.
The council’s CEO, Prins Ralston, said part of the state funding deed for the project was that the council not issue any public material before it was approved by the government.
Asked by Cr Ann-maree Greaney whether that would occur regardless of the political party in power, Mr Ralston said the deeds were “mostly of the same nature”.
Cr Sue Blom said it was “embarrassing” when it occurred.
“It’s happened to me a couple of times in this term when I’m not aware of the media that’s happened,” Cr Blom said.
Mayor Jenny Hill said councillors should be getting the media releases and “if you are not, that’s an issue”.
Cr Maurie Soars said he appreciated the state wanted to promote the major projects they were funding.
“We just have to follow suit and be hopeful we get the money for our budgets,” Cr Soars said.
The majority Team Jenny Hill councillors voted down both motions.
“ANY ACTION (LIKE THIS) IN MY VIEW SHOWS A TOTAL LACK OF RESPECT FRAN O’CALLAGHAN