Council watchdog investigating ‘secret’ caravan park meeting

Five Queensland councillors have been referred to the council watchdog amid concerns of a private meeting during debate over the future of a tourist haven’s beachfront caravan parks.

An investigation is underway into claims five Fraser Coast councillors took part in a behind-closed-doors meeting ahead of a controversial vote which put the potential closure of the Torquay Beachfront Caravan Park back on the table.

An investigation is underway into claims five Fraser Coast councillors took part in a behind-closed-doors meeting ahead of a controversial vote which put the potential closure of the Torquay Beachfront Caravan Park back on the table.

This publication understands Fraser Coast Regional Council chief executive Ken Diehm is aware councillors Zane O’Keefe, Michelle Byrne, Michelle Govers, Lachlan Cosgrove and John Weiland have been referred to the Office of the Independent Assessor.

Mr Diehm has not made any statement regarding the meeting, however a council spokeswoman said any allegations referred to the OIA were confidential.

It’s understood the complaint relates to claims there may have been a breach of transparency framework put in place as a result of the Operation Belcarra review which aimed to ensure integrity and mitigate corruption risk within local government.

As a result of the recommendations, there are restrictions around Queensland councillors holding private meetings with a select few to discuss a topic about an upcoming public council meeting if the purpose is to agree on a decision beforehand.

On Thursday an OIA spokesman said the office was “unable to confirm or deny whether it has received a complaint or is investigating a matter unless the complainant or the subject councillor makes it publicly known”.

“If the matter becomes publicly known, the OIA may still not provide information if there is a risk of prejudicing operational activities or where legal obligations require the OIA to maintain confidentiality,” he said.

A council spokeswoman declined to comment on the matter.

“Any allegations relating to councillor conduct and referral to the Office of the Independent Assessor are confidential,” she said.

“For these reasons, Fraser Coast Regional Council will not be commenting.”

An investigation is underway into claims five Fraser Coast councillors took part in a behind-closed-doors meeting ahead of a controversial vote which put the potential closure of the Torquay Beachfront Caravan Park back on the table.

The Local Government Act 2009 also states councils must “act in a way that is transparent and accountable” and if councillors are deliberately meeting in smaller groups without public notice or an official agenda, and minutes being taken, it may be seen as a breach even if not technically illegal.

The idea is to avoid perceived predetermined decisions or collusion.

There is no suggestion that this occurred, only that the circumstances are being considered by the OIA.

The council in October last year voted unanimously to suspend the redevelopment of the Torquay and Pialba Caravan Parks and plans for both parks were referred back to the chief executive for further consultation with councillors.

The motion opened the door for the Torquay Caravan Park to eventually be closed in favour of “alternate” uses (though this would still be put back to a vote after community consultation).

Official council briefings were held about the subject before it came back to a heated February 2025 meeting where Councillor Paul Truscott spoke about the “overwhelming” public support for keeping the parks open, drawing criticism from Councillors Lachlan Cosgrove and Zane O’Keefe who were both called to order by the mayor.

The allegations include that a meeting to discuss the issue may have taken place when councillors knew the caravan parks were a live issue before the council and due to be debated at public meetings.

The Fraser Coast council, Mr Diehm, the individual councillors and the OIA have each been contacted for comment.

Originally published as Council watchdog investigating ‘secret’ caravan park meeting