When is it a conflict

Under the Local Government Act, councillors are required to declare when they believe they have a conflict of interest in a council matter.

The Act states councillors must disclose information about certain interests on the council register of interests.

Councillors must declare a direct or indirect interest in matters before council if they believe the nature of their interest “is such that it may conflict with the proper performance of their public duty and withdraw from voting on the matter affected by the conflict,” the Act states.

Councillors regularly declare conflicts of interest in matters, particularly planning matters where there can be a direct or indirect conflict.

Former councillor Diane Blackwood declared a conflict of interest in the Waterford Rise development because of a superannuation investment.

Cr Tricia Jones has declared interests in matters affecting a property she owns in Albert St in relation to the former outdoor pool site and surrounding properties, as well as a heritage overlay on a property in Victoria St.

Crs Debbie Brown and Terry Williamson declared conflicts of interest earlier this year in rezoning matters for the Drouin Golf Club because they are board members of Drouin Community Bank which has a financial interest in the club.