By JONATHON HOWARD
TENTERFIELD Shire Council has been accused of failing ratepayers as the shire falls further into a financial crisis, according to Tenterfield Progress Association (TPA) member Robert Walker.
Mr Walker has followed the council’s financial issues for years and has made several attempts to address council as both a concerned ratepayer and TPA member.
All attempts by Mr Walker to speak with Tenterfield Shire Council, or address the council, have been denied and his concerns have largely gone unheard.
He accuses the council of failing in the areas of financial management as well as inciting a sense of community “bewilderment” and “uncertainty”.
The Free Times put several questions to Mr Walker to clearly and publicly convey his thoughts on the matter. These questions have also been sent to Tenterfield Shire Council general manager Lotta Jackson, and her responses will be provided to readers next week.
What issues do you feel need to be raised within the Tenterfield Shire Council?
Transparency and Communication. Open, honest and frank discussion with council does not occur. I have suggested, on a number of occasions, including a publicised offer to have a conciliatory meeting between Tenterfield Progress Association (TPA) and councillors and/or the general manager Lotta Jackson, but our offer was not entertained. Two years ago, I wrote to the general manager suggesting a one-on-one meeting to explore common ground and create a new medium for the exchange of ideas but it was refused. The continuing use of the press to get points aired is not the professional way, but it is proving the only way.
What questions do you plan asking the council when you take the floor at the next meeting (21 May)?
Assuming my written request is approved, and this is not a given, the most important task will be to convince council that we, TPA, are not the enemy. Instead, we are driven by a desire to see Tenterfield reach its full potential and, to maintain and grow prosperity. We are not anti-council. We recognise we are all on the same fragile boat. If it sinks we all go down, why would we want that?
What concerns do you hold for Councillor Blair Maxwell, during his investigation for misconduct?
Well the result of this botched and frivolous matter says it all. The general manager was admonished by her own investigator, paid for by ratepayers, on five of the six charges she brought. Maxwell was found wanting in only two charges and was ordered to seek counselling. It would be justice if Ms Jackson paid all costs from her own personal funds. The other matter of financial waste was Mr Maxwell’s motor sport arena. The GM has racked up a bill of approx $150,000 (of ratepayer money) on this extraordinarily long case. The magistrate who heard the case admonished Ms Jackson for not sitting down and negotiating with the plaintiff. Let me add that it is on all councillors for not applying the brakes on this matter two years ago.
Please describe the situation currently in Tenterfield Council and where you feel it’s going wrong?
That is an easy one. It is void of democracy. The councillors have allowed the general manager to usurp their power and the authority that voters gave them. When I attend meetings there is debate but the resulting votes are along predictable lines. Another example is the proposed purchase of corporate business software. Is this software really a “must have priority” at a time of uncertainty and low or negative cash reserves. Why the hurry? This purchase, if implemented, must be seen by the community as an enhancement to efficiency. It must be evaluated prior to commitment to quantify the savings it will return. In other words a “cost benefit analysis”. Further, the proposed council closed meetings to discuss this expenditure will attract suspicion. Is it really necessary to close off the people that will be asked to pay for it? The cost may well be a six-figure sum. How does council reconcile this expense at this time?
What areas has council failed or succeeded?
Failure: Finance and budgeting. It was revealed at the last council meeting that council bank accounts were in deficit but the meeting just went on. No debate, questions or resolutions taken. The point was also made that “what do we do in the event we do not get the full rate rise in June?” It appears there is no plan “B”. As further evidence of poor or bad management or governance, our land value has fallen the most of all of NSW shires. We have been identified by a national government task force to be placed 531st of the 560 councils Australia-wide in the category of “business expertise”. We are also rated as a “low socio-economic area”. Ten years ago we were the most prosperous shire in NSW. Success: perhaps the main street project. However, this is severely diluted due to the ensuing financial crisis we now face.
What is the general view of Tenterfield Shire Council within the community?
Bewilderment, helplessness and disappointment. These are some of the words that come to mind. Forget Ms Jackson’s assurances that we are all happy with the main street plan. The project was stated to be complete in eight weeks. We are now in week 23. I have asked for a summary of obvious cost overruns (perhaps this has contributed to the bank account “deficit”) but I received a very convoluted reply which did not address the question. TPA suggested over a year ago that signs be displayed so tourists would know where to park, particularly during the Rouse Street works. Shops are still suffering due to loss of car spaces and no “where to park signs”.
Have your say: If you would like to know more or to have your say write to the Southern Free Times editor at newsdesk@freetimes.com.au
