I’ve been given notice that a closed meeting with the consultants representing the WSD helicopter applicant has been scheduled to be held on Tuesday 14th July.
Whilst it’s not unusual for applicants to meet with Council on a confidential basis prior to the lodgement of their applications, I’m concerned that to do so now, after three consecutive and controversial public meetings, will exacerbate the concerns that are already circulating throughout the community.
Yesterday I wrote to the Mayor and requested that the meeting be opened to members of the public. In doing so, I suggested that it would be more prudent and transparent for the applicant (or his consultants) to lodge a written submission outlining any matters that they wish to bring to Council’s attention so that they can be considered and placed on the official file.
The Mayor has advised that the closed meeting will go ahead as this opportunity has been given to other applicants in the past.
I have requested that my formal objection be placed on the official record.