Council queries Ronald vote

By Paul Dunlop
COUNCILLOR Bill Ronald could again be the focus of a local government investigation.
Cardinia Shire colleagues want Local Government Minister Candy Broad to look into a claim that Cr Ronald voted on an issue in which he may have had a pecuniary interest.
The long-serving Pakenham Ward councillor has this year been the subject of an ongoing inquiry, at council’s request, over a number of alleged breaches of the Local Government Act.
Council will ask the Minister to investigate Cr Ronald’s involvement in a vote on an application to rezone land in Railway Avenue, Beaconsfield.
Cr Ronald voted against the application, submitted by Parklea Pty Ltd, at a town planning meeting on 7 November.
Council was told at its meeting last Monday that Parklea Pty Ltd was developing the Heritage Springs estate, which is on land that was formerly part of the Ronald family farm.
Cr Ronald’s involvement in the Beaconsfield decision was said to have constituted a potential breach of the Local Government Act.
Councillor Helen Ward said council should take the matter further.
Cr Ronald questioned why the issue was raised without prior notice and was concerned council had not had time to look at the details before being asked to make a decision.
Councillor Kate Lempriere also opposed the decision.
Cr Lempriere said she had missed the meeting in question because she was in Canberra at a local government conference.
Cr Ronald said later he did not believe he had a pecuniary interest in the matter.
Cr Ronald has previously described investigations into his conduct as evidence of a vendetta held against him.
Cr Ronald said his stance of putting the community first and his willingness to criticise council and council decisions had made him a target.
He has declared several times that he is innocent of any wrongdoing.
Cr Ronald is seeking re-election in the council poll to be decided this Saturday.