Parramatta Council to slash millions off $2.4m deal with the Eels

A western Sydney council has slashed almost half off a $2.4m partnership deal with the Eels following public backlash that ratepayers’ money was being wasted on the rich club.

Parramatta councillor Kellie Darley objects to spending millions of dollars of ratepayers’ funds on the Eels. Picture: Josephine Sicad Photography

Parramatta Council will fund the Eels $1.15m over three years – not $2.4m as originally inked – after backlash over the use of ratepayers’ funds.

The council signed the deal after a confidential meeting in December, which sparked outrage over the use of ratepayers’ cash and the desire for the matter to be discussed in a public forum.

After nine councillors supported it and four opposed the deal, $383,500 was committed for the first year to go towards scholarships for western Sydney women and clinics and school holiday camps for children. Player appearances were also sought for events, while the council logo will appear on the NRLW team’s jersey.

But outraged independent councillor Kellie Darley submitted a rescission motion that called for the deal to be scrapped because she said it was out of touch with community expectations.

When the council voted to go into a closed session on Monday, Cr Darley pulled the motion because the public could not hear the debate about how their rates were being spent.

The council logo will appear on the NRLW jersey under the deal. Picture: Mark Nolan/Getty Images

“In the meantime I will get legal advice,’’ she said.

However, during the confidential session, the new deal for $383,500 each year for three years was secured.

Before that, several residents speaking in the public forum slammed the use of funds as a waste of money.

Former Parramatta Lord Mayor Phil Russo called for money to be spent on neglected footpaths and potholes.

“There’s so much more that money could be spent on than giving money to a wealthy rugby league club,’’ he said.

Ratepayer Cheryl Bates agreed with him and opposed the council further funding to “one of the wealthiest (rugby) league clubs in NSW”.

“A local government’s prime obligation is to provide goods and services to its ratepayers,’’ she said.

Parramatta Council has faced backlash over supporting the wealthy Eels NRL club. Picture: Brendon Thorne

A supporter backed the multimillion deal which he said would only cost each ratepayer $1.50 each.

The United Services Union objected to the council’s partnership with the rugby league club and bore prominent messages slamming the decision on trucks driving around the CBD in December.

The council ordered the trucks to stop.

Parramatta Lord Mayor Pierre Esber also refuted the deal but Our Local Community’s Michelle Garrard said the deal was in the best interest of the community.

Cr Darley wanted more transparency.

“Despite community backlash and the core premise of the Local Government Act to ensure a transparent and open government, the matter will once again be discussed behind closed doors,’’ she said before the meeting.

The council’s first regular meeting for the year will be February 12.