IS LOCAL GOVERNMENT TURNING INTO A LAWYER'S PICINIC

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"THE final report produced by the board of inquiry into the Huon Valley Council should be thrown out because of inaccuracies that could lead to legal action being taken, says a senior councillor.

Mike Wilson told the Mercury he believed there was a hidden agenda behind the board of inquiry investigation.

“I believe the Government may want to see amalgamations and maybe this is just a scapegoat to start that process,” Cr Wilson said.

“As far as I’m concerned, I’ll lead the people of the Huon Valley down the main streets of Hobart to stop that sort of thing.”

The council held a closed meeting last night to discuss an updated report from the board of inquiry and its response.

The council and councillors have until Tuesday to make a submission to Local Government Minister Peter Gutwein.

“My submission has been done through my legal representation to let the minister know that if certain things were not taken out of that report that we will be taking further action,” Cr Wilson said.

“The report as it stands is flawed in so many ways. There’s been a lot of money spent on this, which the ratepayers are paying for, and there are parts of it that are certainly not factual. It should be thrown out.

“How much longer is this going to go on for? This council is functioning very well fin­ancially and on a daily basis.”

Mayor Peter Coad declared a conflict of interest at last night’s meeting in relation to the report produced by the council’s lawyers that responded to the board of inquiry’s report.

“I think the board’s report is a very good report — it’s well balanced, very thorough and the people involved in putting it together have done an excellent job,” Cr Coad said.

“I hope the minister makes the report available in full to the community.

“[But] I don’t believe my colleagues share my view.”

Mr Gutwein would not say if he had received letters from Cr Wilson’s legal representation and what action might be taken. "

NOW TODAY:  Huon Valley Council shake-up expected in wake of shock board of inquiry report

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AN inquiry into the warring Huon Valley Council is expected to recommend it be placed in administration for a year, as calls emerge for the council to be forced to discuss mergers and resource sharing.

The final report produced by the State Government’s board of inquiry into the council was discussed by councillors at a meeting on Thursday night.

But details of the report, which have already prompted talk of legal action from one councillor, are being kept under wraps.

However, the Mercury has been told the report has made a recommendation to place the council into administration for 12 months – six months longer than the original draft board of inquiry report and nine months longer than many councillors had hoped for.

On Monday night Kingborough councillors will vote on a motion by Dean Winter urging Local Government Minister Peter Gutwein to get Huon to discuss resource sharing and mergers with its neighbouring council.

“I think Kingborough is doing that by taking an open-minded approach to the issue.

“But for Huon Valley to refuse to even take part in the process – that’s very disappointing for their ratepayers.

“Unfortunately, it’s clear the dysfunction at Huon Valley Council is preventing it from making good decisions.

“If Minister Gutwein can intervene, then I think he should.”

Huon Valley Mayor Peter Coad yesterday said he supported the push for discussions with Kingborough Council.

“My personal position is that you support local government reform and I would strongly support councils in that process,” Mr Coad said.

“Obviously at the moment the council is going through a board of inquiry and I think that has to take precedence over everything else at the moment.”