TWO state MPs have complained in Parliament that state grants given to Redland City Council have been proposed to be spent mostly on a project that they claim benefits a business owned by mayor Karen Williams.
Cr Williams has responded to the claims, saying projects put forward for state funding were selected by council officers, not councillors and were selected based on what would provide the most benefit for the city against state government criteria.
Capalaba MP Don Brown told Parliament that of $2.88 million of state grants given to the council, $2.1 million was to be spent on the eastern escarpment project, an area used for mountain biking, bush walking and horse riding that abuts a glamping and wedding venue owned by Cr Williams.
He told Parliament that only $300,000 was going towards clubs and small businesses, and none was being used for things like a freeze on rates or water charges.
"Where is the eastern escarpment project? It is in the backyard of the Redland mayor. Her back fence links on to this eastern escarpment project and it will have a direct material, financial benefit for the mayor's property and business," he told the house.
He told Parliament said councillors were notified by email of the issue and there was no formal discussion and no vote on it. Mr Brown said he would write to the Office of the Independent Assessor, a government organisation that investigates complaints about councillors.
"I have deep concerns about a project that materially benefits the mayor's backyard... We should be looking after the whole of Redlands. We need to make sure it is fair and equitable for the entire Redlands," he said.
Cr Williams hit back, suggesting that Mr Brown and MP Kim Richards - who also raised the issue in Parliament - had hoped the money would go to projects they favoured in the run-up to the state election.
"Funding criteria is designed to drive economic opportunity for the city ... so for Mr Brown and Ms Richards to try and control where council spends its money for their own political benefit is completely inappropriate and should be questioned by the community," she said.
"Rather than bullying others behind parliamentary privilege, our city would be better served by them using their time in Parliament fighting for more adequate funding for our residents."
Work on the escarpment project includes new trails and existing trail refurbishment, and a viewing deck at the top of Mount Cotton. A summit rest point, a trailhead, car park and amenities at Schoek Road as well as signage and boundary works.
A report will be brought to council on the COVID Works for Queensland allocation after the state government assessment in July/August 2020.
