At least 50 residents rally in front of Onkaparinga Council seeking transparency over credit card spending

A PROTESTING resident at an Onkaparinga Council meeting has had a fiery exchange with Mayor Lorraine Rosenberg, saying the community should refuse to pay rates until there is more staff credit card spending transparency.

• Councillors say ratepayers deserve answers on credit card spending

A PROTESTING resident at an Onkaparinga Council meeting has had a fiery exchange with Mayor Lorraine Rosenberg, saying the community should refuse to pay rates until there is more staff credit card spending transparency.

A female resident, who a security officer told to leave during her speech, stood up in the middle of the meeting and said residents had the right to be heard.

It came after the council denied residents a chance to speak during deputations.

“We have freedom of speech, we have a right to be heard,” she yelled.

“You want us to pay our council rates … but you will not hear us speak.

“Payback our money, or we won’t pay our rates, you are ripping us off.

“We should not pay for our rates, we work hard for our money, and we are better off using it for ourselves.”

Still grab of residents gathering outside the Onkaparinga Council chambers. Picture: Celeste Villani

The resident was applauded by other residents as she left the chamber.

About 70 residents, who are part of new community group Tee’d Off Ratepayers and Residents Unite, rallied in front of Onkaparinga Council on Tuesday night, demanding more transparency — and better spending — in their council.

Before the meeting, residents yelled “resign you assholes” and “what are you hiding”.

The rally came after Freedom of Information documents revealed spending by council staff, which included an Apple watch for chief executive Mark Dowd and overnight accommodation in city hotels after functions and an Adelaide Oval rooftop climbs.

Onkaparinga Council protester Hannu Aho. Picture: Celeste Villani

Protester Hannu Aho, of Morphett Vale, was disgusted at the council’s approach to spending.

“We have to be concerned about the way they behave with our rates,” Mr Aho, of Morphett Vale, said.

“They are having a party while we struggle to pay our rates.

“We want more transparency.”

Maslin Beach resident John Houlahan said the number of protesters highlighted the severity of the issue.

“This really gives a sense of the outrage within our community and the way they are spending our money,” Mr Houlahan said.

The Advertiser exclusively revealed earlier this week Mr Dowd had paid back his $6818 ratepayer-funded joining fee to Kooyonga Golf Club in Lockleys.

Previously, the council had kept Mr Dowd’s repayment plan a secret because it was his “personal financial affairs”.

A protest placard at the gathering. Picture: Celeste Villani

At the time, he also foreshadowed an overhaul of staff credit card spending, which included cutting the number of credit cards from 152 to 72.

Staff credit card spending guidelines were being changed to provide “greater control” and ensure “appropriate spending” in several categories, such as accommodation, flowers, gifts and hospitality, he said.

Port Noarlunga resident Cathy Obeirne was happy Mr Dowd had repaid his golf membership, but he would have to win back the trust of ratepayers.

“But he also got a pay rise to do it (pay for the membership),” Ms Obeirne said.

Protester Geoff Eaton, of Flagstaff Hill, said there needed to be more transparency and accountability in the council.

“The way they spend money doesn’t benefit the community.”