Shock council exit as councillors watch the Rocky Motion Horror Show
Senior councillor Cameron Caldwell has stormed out of a council meeting after a “horror show” clash with Deputy Mayor Donna Gates. Read about the fiery encounter and why he bailed.
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A veteran councillor has stormed out of a council meeting after what fellow councillors called a “horror show” clash with Deputy Mayor Donna Gates.
The City’s planning chair Cameron Caldwell became upset during a debate about Cr Gates making conflict of interest declarations. He has never packed his papers and left a committee before.
The clash was described as “intense” leaving Cr Caldwell and lifestyle committee chair Hermann Vorster offside with the Deputy Mayor.
“It was definitely very tense. Hermann was very upset. Cameron was absolutely fuming,” a council insider said.
Cr Gates also appeared upset and stunned Cr Caldwell took her remarks personally.
The Deputy Mayor on Tuesday sought to stay in the lifestyle committee meeting where councillors discussed backing an officer’s decision for renewal of a lease at Stewarts Road, Pimpama for the Rocky Point Mulching company.
Cr Gates had declared historic donations of $1850 in 2014, $390 in 2015, and $1170 in 2016 from the mulching company – all under the prescribed limit set by laws, meaning she could stay for debate if councillors agreed.
Cr Caldwell told the meeting: “The party that’s given the donation is actively engaged now in continuing to do business with the city. I don’t feel comfortable.”
He had told Cr Gates before the meeting he would not support her staying.
“She then said ‘well, something’s changed about you’. Or words to that effect. I feel now I need to explain why I’m taking the position I am,” he said.
The pair shared words which could not be heard on live streaming before Cr Caldwell left.
Cr Vorster told councillors the situation was “regrettable”. But he supported Cr Caldwell by refusing to vote in favour of Cr Gates staying.
The four other councillors at committee backed Cr Gates with Cr Gail O’Neill in support of her staying, saying “her integrity is beyond reproach”.
Cr Gates in open session sought to clarify their dispute after Cr Caldwell left.
“He’s made a suggestion I’ve said he’s changed – that’s not (what I said), I said I’ve noticed a change in attitude not specifically relating to him,” she said.
Cr Gates said she had prior to the meeting offered to leave the room for the item to be discussed but left it for councillors to vote. She has had no contact with the company.
“It’s such a minor thing, and it’s crazy to think a councillor walking out of a meeting over declaration I’ve made,” she said.
“It’s in your hands, councillors. I’ve made a declaration and happy to abide by whatever decision you make but there has been a slight change in attitude of the council.
“I said I understand it. I’m just disappointed we’ve arrived at this place today because I certainly didn’t mean any insult to anyone. It’s just very unfortunate.”
Outside the chamber, Cr Gates said: “I’m fully aware of the legislation and I will always disclose as fully and transparently as I possibly can. I have no desire to fall foul of the legislation.” Cr Caldwell declined to comment.
As Cr Vorster moved on to other items, he attempted to make light of the incident.
“Happy days. We should call that a Rocky motion. That was a Rocky Motion Horror Show. Anyway we got there,” he said.
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