Redland City councillors will attend a two-day, team-building talkfest in Brisbane rather than the Redlands as part of induction processes, a resident says.
Mayor-elect Karen Williams did not deny the claim but said a range of accommodation options were being considered for the function, which included Redland venues “subject to availability and costs of appropriate facilities’’.
“We are awaiting confirmation of availability from Redlands venues,’’ Cr Williams said.
The resident, who declined to be named, said he understood the need for councillors to learn processes and become a cohesive unit but it was outrageous that venues outside Redland City would be considered.
It was the height of hypocrisy for the council to consider anywhere else given it was always promoting the need for Redlands business and jobs.
“What about this meeting taking place in the Redlands?’’ he said. “I thought the council was always going on about building business in Redlands?
“I hear they are going to be put up for two nights in Brisbane. That’s a joke when business is needed in Redlands. When it’s all added up, this could cost $25,000.’’
Cr Williams said the two-day workshop would be for councillors only. Staff had been investigating the best options for team building at short notice and best value.
“Councillors have also requested that we spend some social time together to get to know each other outside of the formalities of the workshop which we are trying to accommodate,’’ she said.
At the time of going to press the Queensland Electoral Commission had confirmed Cr Williams’ election and those of Lance Hewlett, Mark Edwards and Paul Bishop.