Media Release - 16 Nov 07
Cate Molloy, the Independent Candidate for Wide Bay, today claimed Premier
Bligh and Minister Warren Pitt had hoodwinked the people of Noosa and the
rest of Queensland about the Council amalgamation process.
"Claims by Bligh and Pitt that the decision to amalgamate local councils was
not made until after receiving the recommendation from the Independent
Commission on Council Amalgamations earlier this year, are nothing but
attrocius nonsense designed to fool the people of Queensland," said Cate
Molloy.
"The facts are this. In August and September 2004, Desley Boyle, then
Minister for the Environment and Local Government, wrote to me stating the
Government did not intend changing council boundaries unless councils
requested them to do so," Ms Molloy said.
"However, the Minister also later urged me to consider 'what great sense
amalgamation would make,' and said specific processes could be put in place
to "protect Noosa"', and - wait for it - that, 'Bob (Abbott) could be the
boss of them all, and you tell him that','" said Cate Molloy.
"While I rejected any involvement in this sinister plan and to my knowledge
Mayor Bob Abbot knew nothing of it, the further reality is this," Cate Molloy
said.
"Former Premier Beattie and Anna Bligh have long been lobbied by the
powerful Property Council of Australia for access to the lucrative Noosa
Brand," said Cate Molloy.
"In 2004 it commissioned the Sunshine Coast Research Institute for Business
Enterprise to prepare a pro-Amalgamation report, in conjunction with other
industry representatives," said Cate Molloy.
"As a consequence, the Government's plan for the bludgeoning of the Noosa
Council and the sweetener of iconic special treatment was already on the
table in 2004, long before the Minister attempted to cajole me with
simplistic and insulting platitudes," Cate Molloy claimed.
"I therefore make this appeal to all. Don't be further misled by Premier
Bligh," Cate Molloy said.
"It's clear the Government has allowed the Property Council of Australia to
get its way and Noosa shall suffer as a result. Amalgamation is just another
act of bastardry by the Government and its calculating high-placed allies,"
Ms Molloy claimed.
"I have the information to help stop amalgamation and I'm prepared to go to
court to save Noosa and other Councils opposed to this scam," Cate Molloy
said.
Enquiries:
Cate Molloy,
Independent Candidate for Wide Bay,
Peregian Beach, Qld., 4573
07 54483248
0408729499
Cate.molloy|AT|gmail.com
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