Cockburn council rejects bid from its own to discuss ‘damaging’ issue that will affect ratepayers

A “sensitive” issue that could “damage” the reputation of Cockburn council was discussed confidentially on Tuesday after a bid to bring the matter out before the public was rejected by elected members. The council moved behind closed doors at the special council meeting, but not before deputy mayor Chontelle Stone spoke against the secrecy. She said the issue — which surrounded a confidential report and construction at the city’s Henderson waste resource recovery park — could disrupt local services. “I’ve reviewed the business papers tonight and it’s clear that there is a budget impact that will impact rates and ratepayers,” she said. “There’s a risk of service disruption to one of our core services and ratepayers deserve to know why. “There’s a potential major change to our service offerings and ratepayers deserve to know why.” Councillors were asked to vote on a confidential service matter and the construction of a “leachate pond” at the Henderson Waste Recovery Park. It was later confirmed both items were passed. Before the vote, Cr Tarun Dewan said there was an element of “sensitivity” to the issue and it could impact the reputation of the council, hence the need for the discussion and vote to occur confidentially. Cr Phoebe Cork also supported confidential debate and said items should be kept confidential that could have an “impact on humans” in the city’s care. Chief executive Daniel Simms also offered “guidance” for councillors that the matter was sensitive.