Council finances to go under the microscope

The financial operations of the Fraser Coast Regional Council and Wide Bay Water Corporation (WBWC) are to go under the microscope with the Newman Government commissioning a credit review of their operations.

Local Government Minister David Crisafulli said Queensland Treasury Corporation (QTC) would begin two separate reviews next month to provide a clear picture of the council’s finances.

“Ratepayers deserve to know if their council is being run as efficiently as possible,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“The recent and well-publicised turmoil between the council and WBWC needs to come to an end for the sake of staff and the wider community.

“Locals have every right to be frustrated with the way this has been handled and someone has got to give the community peace of mind.

“The claim that the only way to provide efficiencies is to roll WBWC into council is a red herring.

“This audit will show what works and what needs improving, but above all, it will put an end to the uncertainty that the employees and the community have been put through.”

Mr Crisafulli said he would grant the council’s request to have councillor representation on the board of WBWC, but not control.

“While most Queensland councils are moving towards stand-alone business units, I’m willing to work with them on this to try and bring some stability back to the organisation,” he said.

“But let me be clear: we’ve got to draw a line in the sand and end the uncertainty around this for the good of the community.”

[ENDS] 28 August 2013

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                         Andrew Longmire 0418 216 627