By Dominique Tassell
Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC) has today left a motion regarding the lease and maintenance of Stanthorpe Sports Association to “lay on the table”, causing unrest in the meeting.
Councillor Andrew Gale objected to the motion, and the decision by Mayor Vic Pennisi not to allow a debate on it, stating “my voice has not been heard”.
This references a speech made by Councillor Cynthia McDonald in a meeting earlier this year, when she stated the revised media policy was silencing her.
Councillor Stephen Tancred also voted against the motion, which was moved by Councillor Jo McNally.
Councillors Cameron Gow, Cynthia McDonald, and Ross Bartley voted in support of the motion.
Councillor McDonald stated that Councillor Gale was “grandstanding”.
The now delayed motion sought to renew the lease for the land occupied by Stanthorpe Sports Association, with the inclusion of special maintenance conditions that have been the centre of debate.
Stanthorpe Sports Association yesterday shared a post online stating who has previously promised to support the motion.
This includes the Mayor and Councillors Stephen Tancred, Ross Bartley, Andrew Gale, Marco Gliori, and Cynthia McDonald.
Councillors Marco Gliori and Sheryl Windle are not present at today’s SDRC meeting, with speculation this is why Councillor McNally sought to delay the motion.
SDRC later moved a motion to renew a number of leases for other sporting groups in the region.
Councillor Andrew Gale objected to this, asking why this could go ahead when the earlier motion could not.
Councillor McNally stated the leases in the second motion were the same kind of lease, while the earlier motion regarding Stanthorpe Sports Association contains conditions that need to be discussed.
More to come.
