Chris Cherry, Wooyung
The recent Expression of Interest released by Tweed Shire Council to attract commercial water based activities to the Crown Lands in our shire raises questions of how council acts.
What public consultation on this issue has prompted such an expression of interest by council? What mandate from the community has council received that initiated such an action?
Council actions need to be led by the people, for the people.
The practice of seemingly rushing things through quickly before a change in councillors is abhorrent. The democratic process ideally means we will get the councillors that a majority of people want, who will presumably make decisions that reflect the values of the people who voted them in – why the rush to make decisions at a time when only 5 of our 7 elected representatives are there to speak for the people?
Yes this certainly raises questions of how council acts.
Back in 2005 Councillor Warren Polglase was the mayor and he was dismissed from office after questions were asked and he answered them to a public inquiry.
The council he lead was dismissed also and put into administration.
You can read about it here:
https://www.crikey.com.au/2008/08/13/crook-nsw-coastal-candidates/?wpmp_switcher=mobileInquiry
The Inquiry report can be found here.
https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/PI-Tweed-First_0.pdf
I recommend reading this before you vote.