Mercury (Hobart)

Sims adds to council row

Glenorchy mayor defends transparen­cy

- JUDY AUGUSTINE judy.augustine@news.com.au

ANOTHER Glenorchy alderman has criticised processes within the council after concerns were raised about its transparen­cy.

Alderman Sue Hickey this week said too many conversati­ons relating to council items were had “behind closed doors”, which she believed led to the public not being adequately informed.

Alderman Kelly Sims has now also spoken out.

“I too agree that our council has been conducting far too many aspects behind closed doors, which leads to community distrust and poor outcomes,” she said.

Responding to concerns raised by Ms Hickey on Wednesday, Mayor Bec Thomas said the council was open and transparen­t.

“All aldermen are welcome to raise suggestion­s for change via discussion within workshops or as motions for decision at council meetings and we welcome diverse views raised respectful­ly via these appropriat­e avenues,” Ms Thomas said.

“I also often find these meetings are conducted without high-level strategic direction. It’s incredibly frustratin­g to attend what’s supposed to be an important and high-level workshop to be dictated to by staff more so than anything.”

Ms Sims said she often did not attend workshops because she wanted to prioritise “real work”.

“The work I choose to do instead is proven to have achieved good outcomes and is worthwhile, unlike council workshops that appear to be there for digesting dictation only,” she said.

Ms Hickey also raised concerns about the planning authority, saying items that pass it should also go before the full council, as was the case with the Hobart and Clarence councils.

“The newly implemente­d statewide planning scheme is a watered-down governance tool,” Ms Sims said.

“I feel we’ve been through a rough period at Glenorchy City Council, but this experience has led to an extremely fearful, closed-minded approach that doesn’t provide for satisfacto­ry outcomes for most stakeholde­rs.

“Not only are we asked to make no comment to the media on most aspects, but I’m also often discourage­d from doing so with our own community and strategic team.”

Ms Thomas said the council’s planning process was successful.

“Council’s low rate of appeals over many years, and its success rate in appeals, demonstrat­es the benefits of our streamline­d approach, which is the envy of many other councils.”

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