Hickey blast for council

THE Glenorchy City Council has been accused of lacking transparency, with claims closed-door discussions are making the council look like a rubber stamp when it comes to decision making.

Alderman Sue Hickey (pictured) said the public wasn’t given enough opportunity to be included in discussions.

“The real business of the council is discussed almost weekly with most of the aldermen in attendance, but behind closed doors,” she said.

“I find this frustrating as it is difficult for the public to understand the thought processes and information available that goes into the decision making,” Ms Hickey said.

“Instead, having been briefed on the issues, the council looks like a rubber stamp when it comes to the vote as almost everyone then votes in the affirmative.”

The council holds one general meeting and one planning committee meeting per month, which the public can attend.

The meetings are also broadcast online.

The former state parliament speaker and Hobart Lord Mayor said she would be urging the council to consider making workshops public.

“Some aldermen are now expressing concern regarding workshops, most of which had content that I believe should have been discussed in front of ratepayers, either online or in the chamber,” Ms Hickey said.

“I will be encouraging council to see this an opportunity to either broadcast the workshops or to implement the committee model used by the City of Hobart.”

Ms Hickey said when it came to the Glenorchy planning authority, the council should follow the procedure of the Hobart and Clarence councils, where items passed by the planning committees then go before the full council.

“I am most worried about the Glenorchy Planning Authority, which consists of just four to five aldermen who have the total authority for planning decisions delegated to them.”

Glenorchy Mayor Bec Thomas was contacted for comment.