Councillor Dan Stewart hits out at new Gympie council secrecy on Rattler, other items

After campaigning heavily on a platform of transparency, the Gympie council’s recent decisions to lock the public out of debate on three matters, including a ‘concerning’ report on the Rattler’s finances, has not impressed at least one councillor

Gympie councillor Dan Stewart has criticised the decision to put several items, including the latest report on the Rattler’s financial status, behind closed doors at its last meeting.

The decision to debate three Gympie Regional Council items behind closed doors, including the latest financial report from the Mary Valley Rattler, has been criticised by councillor Dan Stewart who said there was “no need” for the secrecy.

In a post on his Facebook page, Dan 4 Gympie, following last Wednesday’s council meeting the division 5 councillor questioned the choice to lock the public out of these discussions.

The items included the extension of the site on Noosa and Hall roads where the council stores materials for its roads, an upgrade of the Mellor Street footpath between the Fiveways roundabout and Senior Citizens Centre, and the December quarterly report on the Rattler’s financials.

“Two had to do with two capital works, which to me could have easily been included in open business,” Mr Stewart said.

“While it was allowed to be in closed business due to them modifying the budget, there was no need for that to occur.”

The last Rattler financial report was discussed in open committee.

He also questioned the need to keep the Rattler’s financial state away from public eyes.

“They (the RRC) requested the report be in closed business,” Mr Stewart said.

“I could see nothing in the report that required that confidentiality.

“I also know there is a high level of public interest in the RRC and the council’s relationship to it.

“However, it was argued that we need to maintain a co-operative relationship with the RRC and on this occasion should accede to their request.”

The last report on the Rattler’s financials was brought before councillors in December 2020, and discussed in open committee.

Mr Stewart says the council “concerns” about the train’s financial position, but as the item was discussed in committee he cannot say what happened.

“The minutes (for this month’s report) will read that we received the report and had some concerns.

“I cannot say what happened in the meeting.

“However, on other occasions I have said the following.

“The RRC provides a good product, late December I took four other family members on it (three had December birthdays).

“But as public documents like budgets demonstrate, council pays the RRC $450,000 per year.

“ I would love for the RRC Board to work cooperatively with council to address how together we can make the Rattler more viable.”

The Rattler’s financial sustainability and the council’s level of transparency have been under intense community scrutiny over the past five years. Each was a significant flash point during the 2020 election campaign.

CLICK HERE to return to The Gympie Times Home page