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Long night of debate at City of Rockingham council meeting

Gabrielle JefferyWeekend Kwinana Courier

IT turned into a long night at the City of Rockingham’s ordinary council meeting on Tuesday after several motions created passionate debate among councillors.

A committee was selected to choose a new chief executive after Andrew Hammond announced his resignation on November 21.

A ballot was taken with most councillors conceding the committee should be made up of those councillors whose roles required them to have the most contact with the chief executive.

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It resulted in Mayor Barry Sammels, Deb Hamblin, Chris Elliott and Joy Stewart being chosen for the committee.

It was passed 9-1, with Cr Lee Downham voting against the motion, saying that committee roles needed to be shared around to other councillors.

Motions including council’s latest financial report, parking controls, business plan and clarification of a dog exercise area at Barri Barri Park in Baldivis were passed by absolute majority.

Several motions put forward by Cr Downham and Matt Whitfield were passionately debated.

Cr Whitfield wanted to see more opportunities for local businesses to be in the running for tenders for City of Rockingham.

Cr Downham said it was unfair the amount of time a councillor could spend on any given committee.

“I think there are a few shirkers,” he said. “That’s all I’m asking for, sharpen up; if this motion doesn’t get up then I’ll publish it myself on social media.”

Cr Downham said councillors could resign from committees.

“The law states councillors can resign from a committee,” he said.

“At least we can pressure them to stand down if they are not turning up.”

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