REDLAND City mayor Karen Williams wants an apology from Capalaba MP Don Brown after he accused her of misconduct and reported her to the Office of the Independent Assessor.
A year ago, Mr Brown complained in Parliament that state grants given to Redland City Council had been proposed to be spent mostly on a project that he claimed benefitted a business owned by Cr Williams.
The OIA dismissed these complaints last July, finding Cr Williams had not engaged in any misconduct.
Last June, Mr 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, bushwalking and horse riding that abuts a glamping and wedding venue owned by Cr Williams.
In a letter written to Mr Brown, Cr Williams asked the Labor MP to make a public withdrawal of all allegations of misconduct he had made against her in relation to the Redlands Coast Eastern Hinterland Experience Project (eastern escarpment), in Parliament and on social media.
"The impacts of your public comments on not only me, but my family have been significant and I, and especially my family, would welcome an apology from you regarding the false allegations you have made about us," she said.
In a debate last month about a defamation bill before the House, Mr Brown said Cr Williams was suing him over comments he made about grants to upgrade the recreation trails.
Mr Brown said he was disappointed in the OIA outcome and did not confirm if he would apologise to Cr Williams.
"I am still of the belief that the mayor should have declared her interest and removed herself from email discussions," he said.
Cr Williams said she had gone beyond her legislative requirements to ensure transparency and integrity was maintained regarding projects, taking steps to ensure there could be no suggestion of interference or influence.
Mr Brown said he had spoken with the Assistant Local Government Minister Nikki Boyd and Deputy Premier Steven Miles about tightening the state grant process by requiring councils to vote on them forcing councillors to declare a conflict of Interest.
"Eastern Escarpment is just one project in the broader Redland City Council connection strategy, which has been under development for many years having been adopted in 2011," Cr Williams said.
Mr Brown said he had requested information from the mayor detailing maps where the work took place for the eastern escarpment project.
Angela Kelly
Redland City Bulletin senior journalist covering politics, community issues and human interest stories. South African living the dream in Australia.
Redland City Bulletin senior journalist covering politics, community issues and human interest stories. South African living the dream in Australia.
