By JOLENE OGLE
Noosa councillor Frank Wilkie has rejected claims that councillors were disrespectful by not attending the recent ALP Black and White Gala dinner at the Noosa Waterfront Restaurant.
The annual event, held on 28 November, is a party fundraiser and was also used as an opportunity for ALP member Mark Denham to announce his candidacy in the 2016 local elections.
Following reports on the event, letters were received by Noosa Today with some community members outraged that more councillors didn’t attend the event.
On 3 December Isobell McConnell of Tewantin said it was “disappointing (Cr) Frank Pardon was the only Noosa councillor present” at the event.
“The mayor, Noel Playford, and senior staff missed a golden opportunity to raise important local issues with the premier,” she said.
Mr McConnell said local government had a responsibility to attend and put forward major concerns for the local region such as Beckmans Road and the Tewantin TAFE facility.
“The premier works for all Queenslanders and the mayor had a responsibility to be there for all the Noosa shire residents,” she said.
On 10 December, K.L. Fielden of Tewantin said she “couldn’t agree more” with Ms McConnell.
“How do they (councillors) ever expect the current government to pay heed to the problems that abound in Noosa and surrounds … when they show such disrespect to our premier?” she said.
Cr Wilkie said the letters suggest a “misunderstanding of the nature of the premier’s recent visit”.
“This was not a typical appointment where high-ranking dignitaries freely meet with local government staff and representatives,” he said.
“These are well-attended and productive forums where relevant issues are discussed in a focused way.”
Cr Wilkie said a lack of attendance by councillors to the $150-per-head dinner was not due to disrespect, but “an appreciation the event was a party political function”.
“There was a similar level of attendance at former (Prime Minister) Tony Abbot’s lunch for similar reasons,” he said.
“Cash for access opportunities, common at state and federal level, and certainly in the US, are, fortunately, not yet the only way talks with decision-makers in other tiers of government can occur.
“Productive, low-cost communication between local, state and federal representatives about Noosa issues take place on an almost weekly basis.”
