Lockhart River mayor Wayne Butcher’s company secures $3m in council contracts over four years

The CEO of a Cape York council has rigorously defended his council’s procurement policy after the Mayor’s personal company was awarded council contracts worth more than $3m.

The CEO of a Cape York council has rigorously defended his council’s procurement policy after the mayor’s personal company was awarded contracts worth $3m within four years.

Lockhart River Mayor Wayne Butcher is the director of Wayne Butcher Business Management, previously trading as Wayne Butcher Enterprises, which earnt $285,739 in FY 2023-24, almost $1.5m in FY 2022-23, $858,360 in FY 2021-22 and $449,312 in FY 2020-21, according to Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council documents.

Companies owned by Wayne Butcher, mayor of Lockhart River, have earnt council contracts worth more than $3m over the past four years. Picture: Liam Kidston

Businesses owned by Mr Butcher and at least two other councillors have also been included on the council’s preferred supplier panel after recommendations by an external consultant.

The Cairns Post is not suggesting Mr Butcher inappropriately used his influence at the council or any unlawful conduct to secure contracts for his businesses.

Council’s CEO David Clarke said the council’s procurement policy had been heavily scrutinised over six years and emerged without blemish.

“We’ve worked closely with both the (Office of the Independent Assessor) and the (Crime and Corruption Commission) to ensure probity and transparency,” Mr Clarke said.

“Our process is fully compliant with state government procurement policy.”

Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council CEO David Clarke said the council’s procurement policy was inclusive and without blemish. Picture: Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council

Christopher Dean – a traditional owner and chairman of Mangkuma, the local Land Trust – said the council’s procurement process had locked out some locals looking to start a business and enter the council’s preferred supplier list.

“The process favours the same people. We’ve made complaints to the OIA and CCC, but we’ve been told it’s all above board,” Mr Dean said.

Mr Clarke disputed the claim that his council’s procurement policy deliberately excluded people.

“We have 12 local businesses at the moment competing for work,” he said.

“Our road network is expanding, which will provide additional opportunities.

According to the council’s CEO David Clarke, 12 local businesses were competing for road construction work. Picture: Peter Carruthers

“Our process is merit based. Some (complainants) don’t have machines or business history. “We’ve asked them for their (quality assurance) systems, their insurance profile, basic things required when running a business.

“At the end of the day, you’ve got to turn up with machines and workers ready to go, and be prepared to stick to a works program.

“We have helped people submit applications to the preferred supplier panel.

“Our business development officer will help them create a business plan.

“We have a whole range of economic support measures in place that are unique to our council.

“We’ve put local guys through apprenticeships who have since contracted back to the council.

“We deliberately leave gaps in the market up here so they can be filled by local contractors.

“It’s a good news story what we’re doing with our economy.”

Mr Butcher said the procurement process had been above board.

“We’ve gotten proper advice, we’ve jumped through all the hoops,” he said.

“We’ve helped establish and add value to other businesses. When I started (my business) in 2012 there were no other local businesses here. Now we have 12.

“The model we have here has grown the local economy.”

Originally published as Lockhart River mayor Wayne Butcher’s company secures $3m in council contracts over four years