WINGECARRIBEE Council’s two-day strategic workshop at The Briars last month cost council $4629.80, according to a report presented to council on Wednesday.
The cost of the workshop, held to set a direction for council’s four-year term, included $1462 for the venue, $1706 for food and $900 for accommodation for five people.
Councillors drank $381.80 worth of beverages, at an average cost of $13.17 per person per day, and $180 worth of tea and coffee.
The report was compiled in response to a request by Cr Ken Halstead, who has criticised the council for holding the workshop outside council chambers.
Council has also come under fire for accommodation costs for Mayor Duncan Gair, Cr Larry Whipper, Cr Graham McLaughlin, Cr David Stranger and general manager Mike Hyde.
But Mayor Duncan Gair said the workshop provided a positive direction for the new council and set a great platform for the next four years and beyond.
“It is disappointing that we have had some adverse publicity for what was a very positive and useful exercise by councillors working constructively in their own time for the benefit of the community,” he said.
Cr Gair said, contrary to reports that implied councillors stayed overnight after over-indulging at a free wine tasting, workshop participants were asked to stay overnight where possible to encourage interaction between councillors, and that accommodation was booked two weeks in advance.
For the full story see the Southern Highland News, Monday, December 22
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