Caboolture council’s $52,000 “goodbye party” over the top says Minister

Local Government Minister Warren Pitt says a reported $52,000 “goodbye party” planned by the Caboolture Shire Council is over the top.

Mr Pitt said he could understand that many Caboolture ratepayers would be greatly concerned to learn of the amount of money to be spent on the party, and would want to voice their protest.

“I can understand that there are councils in different parts of the State wanting to mark their coming to an end by holding some kind of function.

“But in this case, for the Caboolture Shire Council to be spending $52,000 is excessive.

“And in the context of an election campaign, it is even more questionable.

“I think a much more modest function to mark the occasion, preferably one involving the local community in some way, would have been more reasonable and appropriate.

“After all, no member of the council workforce is out of a job – their jobs are guaranteed. Everyone will turn up for work as usual the Monday after the elections.”

Mr Pitt said ratepayers who felt that their local council had gone too far with planned spending on “goodbye” functions should contact their elected representatives to express their disapproval.

“I think ratepayers need to make their feelings known when it comes to this sort of spending of their money.”

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819