HASTINGS COUNCIL - REQUEST FOR STATE GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION AND INVESTIGATION

Wednesday, 12 December 2001 10:00

Council's handling of a number of issues in the Shire and an external investigation into the way it handles matters such as developer contributions.

TEC campaigner Fran Kelly said the request followed strong complaints from the community over several issues in the Shire. These included the proposed development of the Town Green Post Office site, the continued "stacking" of the Hastings Urban Growth Strategy's Advisory Committee with developer interests and the decision to appoint its own councillors to investigate outstanding developer contributions.

"It is time the State Government said enough is enough. This council is a joke," said Ms Kelly. "It appears to act with utter contempt for the community, makes up the rules as it goes along with regard to developments such as the Post Office site, and fails to deal appropriately with matters that should be simple such as developer contributions"

"The community, understandably is angry. They are angry that the Council treats them as if they don't exist, unless they are developers. They are angry that their elected representatives ignore their concerns, and put greed and self-interest before good planning and management." Said Ms Kelly.

"We have asked the Planning Minister to intervene and look into a number of matters including the breaking of Development Control Plans, the lack of balance on the HUGS committee, and to lobby the Local Government Minister to investigate matters such as outstanding developer contributions"

"At the very least the Council should be directed to do the right thing. Failing this, an administrator should be sent in, the council sacked and new elections held now the community has an insight into how unrepresentative most councillors are. They should be warned against continuing in such a manner," said Ms Kelly.