The Beagle
Apr 9, 2020
The Beagle Editor,
Cr Innes calls for a Sunset Committee to overview the future of the Mackay Park Precinct
including the recently purchased BB Bowling Club site but would Cr Innes, or any other
game councillor, please comment on the validity of the purchase of the BBBC site in relation
to Council’s Land Acquisition and Disposal Policy.
This policy aims to ensure ESC has open and accountable processes to consider the
acquisition and disposal of land, to ensure best value is achieved in land dealings and to
establish the criteria under which Council will consider acquisition and disposal of land.
It goes on saying that it is to ensure due probity of process and optimal financial return (and
minimal risk) and that council may acquire land for the purpose of exercising any of its
functions. The same policy also requires that properties are to be identified taking into
consideration the purpose for which they need to be acquired, the strategic nature of such
properties and the value that such properties have to the community.
How, can it be said that the purchase was in accordance with the Policy when -
a. The process has hardly been open and accountable – council’s approval is not even
minuted identifying the property.
b. Due probity of process is not ensured as a feasibility study - with best and worst case
scenarios - wasn't done to ensure optimal financial return at minimal risk.
c. There is still an absence of a plan, and therefore an absence of a purpose, for exercising
any of its functions for the site.
d. Similarly, in the absence of a plan, the requirement has not been satisfied to establish “the value that such properties have to the community”
Why, councillor/s, contrary to policy and without a plan, did you approve a $3 million
investment?
Jeff de Jager
Coila
Caption options... "Head in the sand" or.... "fish rots from head" - your call