Council review finds Whittlesea developments linked to IBAC corruption probe
Key developments across Whittlesea have been identified as having possible links with Casey Council planners and lobbyists, including John Woodman, who are under investigation for alleged corruption.
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Former consultants and lobbyists under investigation at IBAC for alleged corruption over planning practices at Casey Council have been linked to developments across the City of Whittlesea.
Mernda Villages and Summerhill Estate in Wollert were identified after a Whittlesea Council review sought to clarify possible links between its developments and any parties embroiled in IBAC’s Operation Sandon.
Five lots at Platform Estate in Donnybrook and land off Yan Yean Rd in Doreen were also included in the council’s findings.
IBAC started public hearings into allegations of corruption related to planning and property development decisions at Casey Council in November.
A Whittlesea Council audit and risk committee then requested “due diligence”.
It called for investigations into whether John Woodman, Watsons Pty Ltd, Phil Staindl, Megan Schutz, Lorraine Wreford, Heath Woodman and Wolfdene Development Company had dealings with the council over the past three years.
The council confirmed no current officers dealt with Mr Woodman, but “no comment” could be made about previous employees.
“Some” current officers had “limited dealings” with Megan Schultz/Shultz Planning and
Wolfdene, in relation to the Platform Estate planning application — although staff from Schultz Planning advised they were no longer part of the project.
The council recorded planning consultancy company Watsons was the applicant at 805 Donnybrook Rd and 1, 35, 53 and 55 Springs Rd in Donnybrook’s Platform Estate.
Watsons was also the applicant at 870 Donnybrook Rd, Donnybrook and at a proposed display village at 755 Yan Yean Rd in Doreen.
Watsons was also the engineering company for the Summerhill Estate in Wollert and Mernda Villages.
The council noted Watsons represented multiple developers as either the permit applicant or contractor delivering the construction works and therefore “would have held numerous meetings” with Whittlesea Council personnel.
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Further investigations will be on hold until IBAC reveals its Operation Sandon findings.
Whittlesea Council’s assessment was undertaken between December 2019 and January 2020.
Inquiries were made with managers, unit leaders and team leaders from building and planning departments, strategic planning and economic development, as well as city design
and transport.
Inquiries were not extended to councillors.