ABC Radio news is today reporting that the State Government has asked the Derwent Valley Council to return $750,000 it was given four years ago towards the redevelopment of the Willow Court historic site. This follows similar action by the Federal Government and brings the tally of lost redevelopment funds to $1.5 million.
The council has been involved in a lengthy dispute with the Federal Government over its decision to withdraw funding for the project, even going so far as to launch a legal action which it quickly cancelled in the face of escalating costs. When questioned about the legal action, the council refused to comment - despite the matter being on public record on the Federal Court website. It is not known how much money was spent on the aborted legal action.
It is understood the council has sought legal advice on the State Government's decision, and will be briefed by a lawyer at a closed council meeting this Tuesday night. Comment is welcome from the council and government on this matter.
It's interesting that Mayor Nicholson on ABC radio this morning commented that he expected to be able to 'get the money back' from the State - why on earth would either the State or Federal Governments give any tax payers $'s back to such an inept Council - I don't think so!
ReplyDeleteGaye D
In a radio interview some weeks ago, Tony Nicholson blamed a "razor gang" for for the federal government decision to take back their money. Who will he blame for this?
ReplyDeleteAnd in the same radio interview Tony claimed when asked where the money was that he didn't have it..so where is it?
ReplyDeleteAnother knock back, I really fear for the future of Willow Court, there just doesn't seem to be any leadership, vision, commitment or competence in the current management of Willow Court, they are a joke!!!
ReplyDeleteI keep saying this but enough is enough, It has to be time for a change in the way WCC is managed as this way is far from being capable.
With council losing funding from both State and Federal governments isn't it about time someone asked the question why? Surely both tiers of government can't be 'out to get' the Derwent Valley Council. It's about time someone held council responsible for the balls up they have made of the whole thing. Where is funding for the project manager coming from?
ReplyDeleteExactly!!!
ReplyDeleteInstead of withdrawing the State and Commonwealth money from Willow Court why don't they put it in a Willow Court Trust fund that can be called upon by whom when the time is right. It will be a kick in the guts for Willow Court to lose money that was rightfully its own, regardless of the DVC