Suspended Budgewoi Ward councillor, Jillian Hogan, said quite simply that she was gutted.
“After three years of lobbying and advocating for projects in the north, and to find that they have been stripped away through financial mismanagement is unconscionable.
“The budget presented in February showed all major projects were on track and funds allocated for, Carters Rd carpark upgrade, Parktrees Village shared pathway, Mannering Park pathway consultation, Colongra Regional Sporting complex, Gwandalan and Tunkawallin playgrounds and Lake Munmorah Regional Playspace.
“In July, most of these projects and many other infrastructure and environmental projects were removed from the budget, with the reason that it was being reduced due to reduced revenue because of COVID-19.
“In October, we were advised that the financial position was critical, reserved funds had been spent and we had a financial crisis.
“Someone has to be the fall guy for this mess and in this case it is the democratically elected Council that is suspended and cannot perform any civic duties.
“However, until the external forensic audit and investigation takes place, it is unclear as to how it happened, what caused it, who caused it, why it happened, who is responsible and when and where it all went wrong.
“There are many factors to consider including internal processes, accounting processes, bank reconciliation undertaking and controls, software programs, data input, operators, financial reporting, governance and structural and systemic causes.
“It is widely known that the use of restricted funds breaches the Local Government Act, so again, how, who and why did this happen?
“Further to this, we cannot ignore the fundamental failings and costs of the amalgamation, as well as the financial impact of the fires, floods, erosion and COVID-19.
“The real casualty here is not the elected body, the real casualty is the stripping away of democratic processes and giving a voice to residents.
“Will the administrator listen to our pleas not to raise rates or sell off community land, assets and infrastructure?
“How do residents continue to have meaningful dialogue?
“Who will listen?
“The loss to the community and to employment on the Coast is profound.
“Residents of the north are used to getting things done themselves, they are doers, workers, advocates, writers and do not give up.
“They have fought systemic failings of previous Councils and will do it again.
“We will stand up and continue to fight the good fight for what is fair, what is equitable and what is just.”
Source:
Media statement, Nov 2
Jillian Hogan