July 8, 2022
South Burnett councillor Kathy Duff has spoken out on social media to explain why she voted against the adoption of the Council’s 2022-23 Budget on Friday.
She said it was the first time in her 18 years as a councillor that she had voted against a Budget.
Mayor Brett Otto and Cr Jane Erkens also voted against the Budget, which was adopted 4-3.
Cr Duff’s vote rested on a decision made by fellow Councillors earlier this year to spend part of a Works For Queensland grant on replacing the Mt Wooroolin water reservoir, a key piece of water infrastructure for the Kingaroy water supply.
“It is my belief – particularly after reading the guidelines – that the State Government Works For Queensland funding is meant for small projects across our region to create jobs instead of going to one project for Kingaroy water,” Cr Duff wrote.
“I put forward a motion to spend $1.5 million of this grant fund across our communities on BP Dam car park shelters, Durong camping ground, Kumbia Apex Park upgrade, Proston weaner display and Proston lookout, Nanango Tipperary Flat Park, Kingaroy Lions Park completion, Murgon basketball half-court, Tingoora street drainage, Wondai McKell car park sealing, Wondai Coronation Park shade structures and Murgon Stage 2 QEII Park.
“These were projects put forward for our communities in our Budget discussions.
“Mayor Otto, who is a qualified accountant and finance portfolio holder, told the Chamber that the funding for water should come out of the water and wastewater Budget and there was ample surplus funds to manage the project.
“My motion was voted down 4 votes to 3 so the funds will be used to construct a new water reservoir for Kingaroy (Mt Wooroolin).
“I was incredibly disappointed to see communities right across our region miss out.
“I don’t know what community champions like Elaine Madill and Leo Geraghty thought about it all as they were in the gallery!
“Please note – these are my personal views and I am not speaking on behalf of Council. I respect the democratic process of Council by acknowledging that the decisions of Council represent the majority view of council.”
Footnote: Elaine Madill is president of the Wondai Regional Art Gallery, while Leo Geraghty is president of the Murgon Business and Development Association.
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