By Phil Herrick

“When I was a newly elected councillor I was advised by a previous Mayor that if I met with a developer I should have a witness with me and I should take notes,” said Cr Anthony Mayne at last Tuesday’s meeting of the Eurobodalla Shire Council.

He was explaining why he was proposing a new policy that would clearly lay out the rules that councillors should follow when meeting with developers.

Cr Mayne said it can take two or three years for a new councillor to gain a full understanding of the risks and pitfalls a councillor can face in dealing with developers.

“It is important that any dealings with developers are conducted in a manner that is transparent, accountable and in the best interest of our community,” he said.

Long-serving councillor Rob Pollock questioned the need for a new policy, saying the current Code of Conduct provided adequate rules and guidance. He asked General Manager Warwick Winn what would be different in a new policy.

The GM deftly handled the query, saying until a draft policy was developed, the question really couldn’t be answered.

In his written advice to councillors Mr Winn outlined points that could be included in a policy such as; keep notes of meetings, meet at council premises, have other people present during meetings, invite applicants to meet with all councillors and relevant staff and to share information presented during lobbying meetings with others in council.

Cr Mayne found strong support from a number of other councillors, seeing it as a step to improved transparency on councillor dealings.

They voted 8 -1 in favour of getting a new policy developed, with Cr Pollock against.

The next steps are to write the policy and put it out for public comment.