COUNCIL CAUGHT OUT TRYING TO PULL A SHONKY STUNT

The Resource Management Planning Appeal Tribunal's finding, is a breath of fresh air and the General Manager, on the evidence, seems to have faltered in his guarantee that he and his underlings had provided EXPERT ADVICE as he is required so to do under the Act.

The notion that Council might 'SHIFT THE GOAL POSTS' points to Council's readiness to bend and break rules.

Accountability and transparency are supposed to be the inviolable principles that guides Council decision making. In Launceston that looking like chance would be a fine thing.

Indeed, Councillors comments and behaviours at this meeting leaves a great deal to be desired and it is clear that they are more than willing to make political decisions before sound planning decisions. That’s a sad reflection on how they represent their constituents and the way ‘management’ is prepared to sully their professional standards.

It’s time for the shonky stuff to stop, way past time.

THE EXAMINER STORY

The outcome of the Gorge Hotel appeal has come under fire at the City of Launceston council meeting.

During councillor question time, Tim Walker asked a series of questions about the Resource Management Planning Appeal Tribunal's finding, which went against the council's approval.

Cr Walker questioned the process leading the hotel being recommended for approval. He also questioned mayor Albert van Zetten saying he was disappointed the RMPAT hearing did not favour the hotel being built, and the general manger for suggesting the council would continue to work with the hotel's developers to see the plan progress.

Other councillors around the table were visibly uncomfortable with Cr Walker's questions, which insinuated improper behaviour had taken place when the hotel was first approved by the council.

The hotel is proposed to be built on the corner of Paterson and Margaret streets, with neighbour Susie Cai lodging an appeal against the council's approval in July.

Last week, the tribunal decided in favour of Ms Cai's appeal

Hotel readvertised after council miss title Gorge Hotel to be readvertised for third time after council mistake

General manager Michael Stretton the tribunal had simply taken a different view than the council had. He said it was not correct to say the decision the council had made was an error.

When Cr Walker questioned who was responsible for recommending the hotel be approved, Councillor Rob Soward called a point of order.

Cr Walker said he could only go on media reports because there had been no media release from the council.

To which Councillor Janie Finlay suggested Cr Walker could have a conversation with the mayor or general manager at anytime to ask them the questions.

Councillor Nick Daking also questioned the RMPAT decision asking what the next step to progress the hotel would be, and what the original vote was.

When the council approved the hotel at its June meeting, Cr Walker was the only one to vote against the proposal.