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MidCoast Council administrator John Turner did not discuss his decision to propose a merger of MidCoast Water with 12 members of the MidCoast Council Local Representative Committee (LRC).
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He did not discuss it, he did not seek committee advice because he says “it doesn’t remotely fall within the terms of reference that I have to go and talk to the LRC about any decision that comes before council.”
Last week Robyn Jenkins resigned from the LRC. The former Greater Taree councillor and deputy mayor believes “it is not ethical” for her to accept an annual payment of around $19,000 for the work required of her on the LRC and says that in recent months she’s “become increasingly disillusioned” by the role of the LRC and its contribution to MidCoast Council.
“The LRC knew nothing about MidCoast Water, nothing, until we read it in the paper. We knew when the community did,” Ms Jenkins said.
Mr Turner confirms the matter was not put to the LRC for consultation and feedback.
“It was of no great note really, but I made the decision to proceed with it, and as I said, the terms of reference don’t require me to put that matter before the LRC.
“Hundreds of matters come before council in relation to any number of matters and we would be unable to have that sort of communication level.”
Mr Turner says the LRC is an “advisory committee at best” and has no binding or voting rights in relation to any matters before MidCoast Council.
Click here to read the story and see the video relating to Ms Jenkins resignation.
