Mysterious case of the missing Rattler report

An independent report into the Mary Valley Rattler’s multi-million dollar blowouts remains elusive more than two years after it was promised by the council

The long-awaited report into what caused the Rattler’s multimillion-dollar blow outs remains a ghost, with new CEO Shane Gray reportedly yet to lay eyes on it himself.

THE world has some remarkable unsolved mysteries: the abandoned ship Mary Celeste; the disappearance of Amelia Earhart; Jack the Ripper.

Now the long-awaited report into the Mary Valley Rattler's multi-million dollar blowouts is at risk of joining them with reports new Gympie Regional Council CEO Shane Gray has yet to lay eyes on the illusive document more than two years after it was commissioned.

News the council wanted an independent review of the Rattler's troubles was announced in April 2018, six months after the project's planned opening was delayed by what the council alleged were "deficient" tender documents.

The report was originally promised to be delivered in July 2018.

The report was initially promised in July 2018; however it was not until that month the $25,000 tender for the review was awarded to Ranbury Management Group.

The report was then promised in September 2018, but this was again pushed to early the next year.

In January 2019 ex council CEO Bernard Smith told councillors the report was "about 60 per cent" finished but had been suspended due to possible legal action over the original track tenders.

Almost two years later (and three years since the first delay) there is no evidence this matter has been resolved, or is even close to heading to a court for resolution.

Former Gympie council CEO Bernard Smith said in January 2019 the report was about 60 per cent finished, but delayed by possible legal action. No evidence exists that action has been resolved, or has come close to even being lodged with the courts for resolution.

Council's communications manager Sharna Rowley said Mr Gray "has not sighted the report" but "is aware a report was commissioned and is currently looking into the matter to obtain any information produced".

"Once the information is sought and clarified, council will be updated and appropriate information will be released to the public," Mrs Rowley said.

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