on public trust …
In response to representations by the association, council has issued a Public Statement correcting an earlier news report broadcast by ABC South East Radio regarding council’s alleged surplus in 2019/2020.
In its news report,
ABC South East Radio claimed that council had resolved concerns over its financial deficit
"after an $85M surplus was found", citing
Crs Fitzpatrick &
Bain as the sources of its report.
The association was concerned that residents & ratepayers were misled by the ABC South East Radio news report & called-on Cr Fitzpatrick to correct the public record.
The Statement makes it clear that the reference to an $85M “surplus” was incorrect & that the $85M was in fact the total of council’s Reserve Funds held as at June 30th, 2020.
The Statement goes on to confirm that council will publish its 2019/2020 Financial Statements & Audit Report after they are finalised & presented to council.
The association believes that public trust & confidence in council is a function of its openness & transparency, in particular through the publication of timely & accurate information, & appreciates Cr Fitzpatrick taking prompt action to publicly correct the earlier misreporting.
John Richardson
Secretary/Treasurer
Bega Valley Shire Residents & Ratepayers Association
Tel: 0264945669
Email: secretary@begavalleyshireratepayers.asn.au
Website: http://www.begavalleyshireratepayers.asn.au