Toowoomba Regional Council 2008 election - rumours swirl ...

Excerpt from the Chronicle:

Accusations 'baseless'

29 February 2008

Toowoomba Regional Council mayoral candidate Peter Taylor wants an end to "baseless" accusations that his councillors or staff profited from land deals linked to the Charlton-Wellcamp industrial estate, Toowoomba bypass and inland rail routes.

The irate Jondaryan Shire mayor put the claims to his colleagues and staff at this week's council meeting.

"I asked my fellow councillors and CEO and not one of them, nor I, nor the council, owns any land or holds any interest in any land in the Charlton-Wellcamp area.

"Even if they did, councillors and employees have legal obligations to exclude themselves from decisions where conflicts of interest that could materially affect themselves occur.

"These laws are scrupulously adhered to in all council decisions and dealings."
Council had been planning and preparing for the expansion for more than 10 years, in consultation with neighbouring councils and the Queensland and federal governments.

"These are baseless and derogatory rumours," Cr Taylor said.

"I'd like to know where it's come from.

"I realise we are in a politically-charged atmosphere at the moment, but I will not stand back and allow my colleagues to be maligned in this way.

"They have served the Jondaryan Shire community very well for many years and this service is what they should be remembered for, not tarnished by these baseless rumours."

Cr Taylor concedes some development applications were rushed because of a developers' perception of uncertainty and instability with the amalgamation into Toowoomba Regional Council.

The council recently approved three industrial subdivisions, granted preliminary approval for a major rail transport depot and fielded enquiries about the development of a significant service centre and truck stop.

The area is expected to employ between 16,000 and 18,000 people if the Charlton-Wellcamp Regional Industry Zone is developed to its full potential.

Cr Taylor said there may some confusion given council was in negotiation to buy land, at full market price, for the sewerage treatment works to service the industry zone and residential areas to the west of Toowoomba.

And the Department of Main Roads bought land for the Toowoomba bypass route several years ago.

The Department of State Development owns land in the area, including land on Nass Road in the industry zone to "kick-start" the transport and warehousing concept for the area.

To fully develop the industry zone, significant funding is required for roadworks, railway infrastructure, water supply and sewerage. Some will be repaid by developer contributions over time, and some is required from government departments.

The Queensland Government has granted a Water and Sewerage Program subsidy of $3.8 million and promised an interest-free loan of $5 million for the initial development of water and sewerage infrastructure, on the basis of plans developed and submitted by the council.

See - Rumours swirl.