Conflict of interest fears over campsites

CAMPERS who are being forced out of a Queenscliff tourist park fear one councillor’s decision could be a conflict of interest.

A number of campers were informed by the Borough of Queenscliffe last week that their sites at Victoria Park had been terminated due to a number of unsafe trees.

A long-time camper, who chose not to be named, said councillor Michael Grout’s partner Janine Hurse attended a public gathering at the park last weekend, calling for the campground to be turned into a botanical garden.

Ms Hurse, who is a horticulturist, was leading walks through the campgrounds on the day.

It comes after Mr Grout seconded a motion in March to keep the unsafe trees at the park, forcing the council to restrict multiple sites.

A number of trees that are of particular concern to campers are being held up by ropes, with some also caged off.

Impacted campers travelled from as far as Stawell and Ararat to attend the gathering last Sunday.

Borough chief executive

Martin Gill said despite some concerns, Mr Grout did not act inappropriately.

“The onus is on individual councillors to disclose as necessary any material or general interest that conflicts with their duty to act in the public interest,” Mr Gill said

“According to section 129(f) of the Local Government Act 2020, a conflict of interest does not arise when ‘the interest only arises because the relevant person is a member of a not-for-profit organisation that has expressed an opinion or advocated for an outcome in regard to the matter’.”

Mr Grout did not respond to requests for an interview but said at the council meeting in March, “it is really important we get a treemanagement plan as well as vegetation corrections right, so we continue to have public enjoyment of this area as well as seasonal camping in the park.”

Elizabeth Powell, who has been camping at the grounds for 58 years, said the issue of safety was still the priority and the matter had now been handed over to WorkSafe.

The Addy received photos last week that showed a fallen tree that had crushed an annexe at Victoria Park during the recent Christmas holiday period.

It was confirmed no injuries had been sustained as a result.

The decision to revoke campsites situated around the unsafe trees is one that will cost the council about $106,000 in lost revenue during the 2022-23 financial year.

The council has also confirmed that up to $40,000 has been allocated in the upcoming budget for restoration work in Victoria Park.

With the restrictions, more than 75 per cent of the park will remain open to campers.