The Minister for Local Government has call a Public Inquiry into Port Macquarie - Hastings Council. A Public Inquiry is not warranted, as there has not been a single substantiated instance of any maladministration, corruption or impropriety.

There is nothing new that a Public Inquiry could cover, as every document and relevant fact has already been provided to the Department in Council's original submission and final response to the previous Investigation.

The Public Inquiry has been called because there is a wide-spread belief in the community that the Glasshouse will come at the cost of basic services. However, that is not the case as Council is in the strongest financial position it has ever been in and is investing more than ever in new infrastructure and maintenance of existing assets, with a budget of half a billion dollars over the next three years.

Public Inquiries are usually followed by the removal of the democratically elected Councillors and the appointment of an administrator who will have absolute authority without any accountability to the community.

Even if the Minister removes the leaders the community elected, the Glasshouse will still be built. Nothing can be achieved by the Public Inquiry but further anguish in the community.

Regardless of the result, in five years time the community will appreciate that this Council had the vision and courage to provide a high quality auditorium and gallery that will be enjoyed for generations to come.

Participate in an online discussion about the Public Inquiry