One council deal, many views
Fairfield Advance, 12 December 06

CONFUSION still reigned among Fairfield councillors almost a week after a council meeting when the council's stormwater study for the Prairiewood masterplan was discussed.

Independent Councillor Thang Ngo had sought to clarify the payment arrangement between the Calabria Club and the council to fund the study, but councillors were still giving conflicting views of the arrangement on Monday last week.

Labor Councillor Lawrence White said the study had been brought forward with the assistance of the club and the Payment arrangement had changed from the original proposal.

"The club said if we pay for half the study, will council bring the study forward?'' he said.

"The original report did say they would pay for it on the basis they got a favourable outcome.

"There was some confusion about it at the meeting but apparently that has changed and the money will be paid regardless of the outcome.''

Liberal Councillor Frank Oliveri said he thought the arrangement was unusual.

"My understanding is that it is not common for council to do what has happened the way it has happened,'' he said.

"There's no issue in the fact the cost of the study is going to be split.

"I guess the unusual part is that the council is going to underwrite the club's share.

"I've been on the council for 12 years and I can't recall any arrangements like that.''

Labor Councillor Louie Costa said the study had not been brought forward.

"The Prairiewood masterplan has been under way for three years,'' he said.

"They've been waiting a long time.''

Deputy Mayor Dennis Huynh said he did not think the study had been sped up due to the club's contribution.

"Even in the past, if we were able to find partners in other studies, it certainly doesn't mean the process has been sped up,'' he said.

"In our documentation there's nothing that says because they are contributing half of the cost we're going to do this first.''

Labor Councillor Bob Watkins said the arrangement was nothing out of the ordinary.

"It's not an unusual thing to do,'' he said. "As long as all parties are treated equally, I don't see a problem.''

Cr Ngo said after the meeting he felt the arrangement was unusual.

"It is, in fact, not normal,'' he said.

Calabria Club president Pat Sergi declined to comment on the issue.