Councillors opposed to buying Gold Coast Airport seek report as City about tick off on budget

The Council’s biggest secret investment deal which involves a stake in running the Gold Coast Airport is dividing councillors. SEE WHERE THEY STAND

The City’s biggest secret investment deal which involves a stake in running the Gold Coast Airport is dividing councillors who want an urgent update on negotiations.

Councillors late last year in a closed session were briefed on a “special strategic investment opportunity”, revealed as an ownership stake in Queensland Airports Limited potentially costing hundreds of millions of ratepayer dollars.

Mayor Tom Tate used his casting vote to start CEO Tim Baker investigating it but there has been silence since with speculation the deal stalled.

The Community Alliance has been strongly opposed, concerned about a conflict of interest for the City in managing issues like ensuring a curfew remains in place.

Gold Coast Airport — should ratepayers have a stake. Picture: Luke Marsden.

The Bulletin - on the eve of Friday’s budget - has asked councillors including new representatives elected in March if they had been briefed or wanted an update.

Councillors who voted in the negative included Mark Hammel, Bob La Castra, Donna Gates and Peter Young. Division 2 councillor Naomi Fowler before the poll, was also opposed.

New councillors Dan Doran, Nick Marshall, Joe Wilkinson and Josh Martin all want more information

Cr Hammel said he had been advised that the review of the opportunity was ongoing.

“I believe given the length of time since the last council decision and the fact substantially more information should now be available to officers to provide to councillors, a report to the new council would be the appropriate course,” he said.

Cr Mark Hammel — wants an updated report.

Deputy Mayor Donna Gates said the report was confidential and she could not comment “but would welcome a review”.

Cr La Castra said he expected a full briefing “in the near future”.

“I voted in the negative when the matter was presented to the previous Council. At this juncture I’ve not seen or heard any information that would change my stance,” he said.

Cr Shelley Curtis said the CEO was keeping councillors advised and she had been updated.

“I remain committed to the position I took when this matter was decided by Council - which was in the affirmative. The advice provided to date is it would not have a detrimental effect on our current management role,” she said.

Cr Wilkinson has spoken with Jeff McAlister, the City’s senior investment officer.

“My understanding is a report will be brought to council to update on further to the investigation,” he said.

“As a new councillor, I’d like to receive the report from the investigation to reach a final position. Like every opportunity brought before the council, I will give this its due consideration when all the information is received, with an open and persuadable mind.”

Cr Brooke Patterson said the CEO was given the power to “complete any investment”.

“I cannot say how I would vote if new information was presented - I would be ‘open and persuadable’ as is my duty under the Local Government Act,” she said.

Artist impression of the Gold Coast Airport masterplan, which features new hotels, a light rail connection and retail precinct. Picture: Supplied

“I did raise concerns about conflict of interest at the time. I do appreciate a conflict can be managed and addressed.”

Cr Tozer said he expected to briefed soon and the investment could be managed.

“I will reserve my judgement at future decision gates, as more information comes to hand,” he said.

Asked for an update, Mr Baker said: “Council has resolved to investigate the Queensland Airports Limited (QAL) opportunity and the City administration continues to progress the possible acquisition in accordance with Council’s decision.”

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