By Margaret Maccoll
Questions were raised at Monday’s general committee meeting over the awarding of a $45,000 contract to prepare a Noosa Fishing Futures research-based directions paper to lobbyist group Fresh Advisory owned by former Labor MP for Oxley Bernie Ripoll.
Council sought quotes from three sources for the directions paper proposed to inform council on its position and actions on long-term sustainability fisheries management in Noosa River.
Council received only one quote from the three requested which was from Fresh Advisory for a $45,000 contract which “was evaluated by the panel as meeting the requirements of the invitation to quote”.
Councillor Ingrid Jackson queried the capabilities of Fresh Advisory to undertake technical and scientific analysis which was a specific requirement of the quote.
Cr Brian Stockwell said council staff had made the decision and it was inappropriate to question their appointment.
Cr Jackson was told the work was being conducted by Winston Harris, a former adviser to State and Federal government ministers with portfolios in fisheries and former Queensland Seafood Industry Association spokesman.
Cr Stockwell said when people provide lobbying roles it doesn’t have to be their only role. He said council was seeking advice on how to lobby the state government on how to achieve the best outcomes for the river.
However Cr Jackson pointed out that lobbying had not been a requirement of the contract.
Mayor Tony Wellington said Winston Harris had industry experience and Bernie Ripoll had useful contacts in State Government.
The fact they are registered as lobbyists has nothing to do with it, he said.
