NEWS v District wakefield regional council:
Question time S p e c ia l ‘out of control’ d ay f o r Mu m s says mayor Public question time at Wakefield Regional Council (WRC) meetings appears to be more of an ‘out-of-control protest’, rather than an opportunity for the public to ask questions and raise concerns. WRC mayor, James Maitland, described the behaviour of some members of the public during question time as “unacceptable”. At last Wednesday’s council meeting, 20 Port Wakefield residents were present in the public gallery to voice their concerns regarding Port Wakefield’s community wastewater management scheme (CWMS). Public question time, which lasted for two hours, did not appear to be enough for angry residents who continued to voice their opinions and ask questions even after public question time was declared over by mayor
Maitland. “I don’t know how we’ll go about it, but measures need to be taken to avoid and stop public question time from becoming disorderly,” mayor Maitland said. According to WRC chief executive officer, Phil Barry, public question should be considered as a privilege and not abused. “Question time is not used at all councils,” Mr Barry said. Wakefield Regional Council has adopted it at its meetings for the public to ask questions and have their say,” Mr Barry said. Last Wednesday’s outburst during question time was the second consecutive meeting the mayor had to ask the public to “quieten down” or they would be asked to leave.
Wakefield Regional Council mayor, James Maitland and chief executive officer, Phil Barry, were called to “retire” by Balaklava resident, Barry Thompson during public question time at last Wednesday’s council meeting. Council remained under scrutiny over the Supreme Court’s recent ruling over a land issue in favour of Balaklava businessman and farmer, Peter Evans. During public question time, Mr Thompson said “responsibility needs to be taken” and declared council’s court loss would result in a “massive waste of tax-payers’ money”. In the fiery council meeting, Mr Thompson asked why council had not resolved the issue with Mr Evans “amicably”. Mr Thompson also asked whether the costs would be published on council’s website “to inform tax-payers of how much they would be required to pay”. WRC chief executive officer, Phil
Barry, said “it would be up to council” if the amount would be published on the website. “So, rate-payers aren’t allowed to know?” Mr Thompson replied. The Full Bench of the Supreme Court ruled in favour of Mr Evans in March, to allow a house to be built on farmland south of Balaklava. It is alleged court costs could amount to more than $100,000. Mayor Maitland and Mr Barry maintained the decision to appeal to the Full Bench was in “good faith”. “We were looking for an amicable solution – but Mr Evans did not want to accept the decision of the Environment, Resources and Development Court when it first ruled in favour of council,” Mr Barry said. Mr Barry said council did not have a “heavy” history of major court battles, and insisted the Evans case was just the second in recent years.
By Lauren Hermon
Mayor, CEO ‘should retire’ says resident
THIS Mother’s Day will be extra special for mother of three Tameaka Darby, of Grace Plains, who recently welcomed her third child – Mahlia Bella, born on March 26, weighing 7lb 15oz, at Gawler Health Service. She is pictured with Bodhi, one and Shylah two. PHOTO: LISA REDPATH.
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