Loose lips reveal Burnside’s $6.1m expense for Kensington Gardens upgrade
Burnside Council’s confidential contribution to a major upgrade of Kensington Gardens Reserve has been accidentally revealed by a councillor.
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Burnside Council’s secret multi-million contribution to a recreation reserve upgrade has been blown open through a councillor’s slip of the tongue.
The Messenger revealed in March eight new tennis courts and the removal of an artificial lake with “elevated levels of pollutants” had been added to the council’s uncosted plans for improving Kensington Gardens Reserve.
The Federal Government promised $3 million for the project – planned to begin next January – but the council’s proposed contribution was kept quiet.
Thanks to a blunder by Cr Harvey Jones, though, it is now known to be around $6.1 million.
The council was all set to discuss its subsidy in a private session on Wednesday night until Cr Jones raised a question during the open meeting.
“Am I being asked to vote to spend $6.1 million tonight?” Cr Jones asked.
Mayor Anne Monceaux told him that figure was meant to stay secret.
“That’s actually part of the confidential report, so we have to discuss this at a later point in time,” Ms Monceaux said.
Cr Jones then apologised. “Oh, sorry,” he said. “I do apologise for that.”
The gaffe drew exasperation from his colleagues.
“Jesus Christ!” Cr Henry Davis said, with his head in his hands.
Cr Davis told The Messenger budgeted costs were commercially sensitive and their release could prejudice the council’s ability to negotiate a good deal.
“Funding has been set aside in the long-term financial plan, but releasing specifics is not in the public’s interest until the tender process is complete,” he said.