Holdfast Bay Council suspends meetings with Residents Alliance over alleged ‘misinformation’

Two local residents’ groups have been put on the naughty list by their local council, following claims of publishing misinformation about a popular road’s upgrades.

Holdfast Bay Council has cut ties with local residents’ groups, claiming they published “misinformation” about the controversial Jetty Rd upgrade.

Emails were issued to Holdfast Bay Residents Alliance and 5049 Coastal Community Association on November 20, cancelling meetings for the rest of the year.

Residents Alliance president Maurice Dunstall told The Advertiser members were “disappointed and outraged”.

He suggested the move was sparked by their scrutiny of council’s finances and of mayor Amanda Wilson, who is championing the $40m redevelopment and ran unsuccessfully in last month’s Black by-election.

Holdfast Bay Residents Alliance president Maurice Dunstall with locals Barry Salter, David Bishop, Ian Young and Ken Branch. Picture: Keryn Stevens

A council spokeswoman said it was “reviewing how we can best engage with our community and ensure that all voices are heard equally”.

“Over the past few years, council has constructively engaged directly with resident groups … to achieve better outcomes for our community,” she said.

“This additional level of access and engagement provided to resident groups over and above individual community members is not mirrored by many other councils.

“Unfortunately, over the past 12 months, the conduct of the groups has been disrespectful and, along with the circulation of misinformation, has demonstrated that they are not prepared to have a constructive relationship with council.”

She referenced a flyerthat claimed locals would pay an extra $120 per annum over three years, rather than $41 on average, and that council had “not consulted with the community on the funding model”.

Mr Dunstall said he did not author the flyer and maintained the community consultation was inadequate.

Artist’s impression of Moseley Square following the ongoing upgrade. Picture: Supplied

In an Ombudsman complaint lodged in September, Mr Dunstall and Dr David Cruickshanks-Boyd accused council of ignoring their survey of 1400 people, with more than 90 per cent rejecting the redevelopment.

At the time, council said the survey “cannot be validated as being statistically reliable or representative”.

The pair also said council’s own survey did not mention that funding the project would take its net-debt ratio to more than 100 per cent.

Holdfast Bay Mayor Amanda Wilson on the campaign trail for the Black by-election, alongside Opposition Leader Vincent Tarzia. Picture: Brett Hartwig

Mr Dunstall said he was meeting with Local Government Minister Joe Szakacsin the coming weeks and wanted him to “initiate an inquiry into (council’s) financial behaviour and lack of meaningful consultation”.

“They have incurred a debt that they cannot pay for, so rates now have a levy attached,” he said.

The council spokeswoman said “all feedback received throughout the consultation period was carefully considered by elected members” and “an independent review found (it) met legislative requirements”.

Under the redevelopment, Jetty Rd will undergo footpath upgrades and “beautification of existing street amenities”, according to the Holdfast Bay website.

Ms Wilson said it would offer a “significant economic boost across the breadth of the city … and will also unlock redevelopment potential and further private investment in and around Glenelg”.

The upgrade is expected to be completed in 2027.