Party official slams SDRC for 'wasting' public funds

SOUTHERN Downs Labor representative warns of 'inappropriate' use of ratepayer money.

INAPPROPRIATE: Southern Downs Labor representative Joel Richters has criticised SDRC . Picture: Contributed

MONEY spent engaging an independent consultant to inform the public about issues surrounding de-amalgamation could be a waste of ratepayer money, according to Southern Downs Labor representative Joel Richters.

Mr Richters slammed Southern Downs Regional Council's recent decision to appoint local government specialist Greg Hoffman to assess a community-funded de-amalgamation proposal and subsequent council review.

The council announced last week it would hold free information workshops with Mr Hoffman.

Mr Richter expressed concerns about whether it was an appropriate use of funds.

"Public revenue should be used to provide services, infrastructure and to build the economy,” he said.

"If SDRC uses rates revenue to pay for a consultant and that consultant's job is to advise SDRC if the community wants de-amalgamation, I would consider that inappropriate.

"That opinion will be determined if a ballot was conducted by the Queensland Electoral Commission.”

But Deputy Mayor Jo McNally said the purpose of the workshops was to inform the public.

"The community workshops will provide residents with an opportunity to ask important questions to clarify details and hear key information from Mr Hoffman who has extensive expertise in local government,” Cr McNally said.

"It's a key part of the process to ensure that everyone in the community is well informed and has an opportunity to be heard on this subject.

"As a councillor, I personally want to be as informed as I can be before making a decision which will greatly impact the future of the region.”

Mr Hoffman was the Queensland Local Government Commissioner from 1992 until 1996 and is also the former CEO and general manager of the Local Government Association of Queensland.

Mr Richters said the independent assessment was unnecessary.

"I see this process being undertaken by Queensland Treasury Corporation as full, independent and reliable,” he said.

"If QTC feel that the business case is financially viable then it should be put to the vote of the entire Southern Downs community.

"During this time there will be many debates for or against de-amalgamation but public money should never be used to persuade public opinion in either direction.”