Letter to the Editor: cost of consultants a ‘concern’

DEAR News Of The Area,

WE now hear our independent Mayor Nikki Williams, arguing that the development of a Draft Aquatic Strategy is well beyond the skill set of Coffs City Council’s planning department.

Furthermore, the Mayor argues that it was cost effective to bring in that expertise rather than employ someone at Council permanently.

It is my understanding that the consultants were paid just shy of $100,000 for this draft strategy.

To have such little faith in our local permanent planners employed at Council is most concerning.

Employing outside consultants, unfamiliar with local needs and aspirations, demonstrates the pitfalls of spending vast amounts of ratepayers money on developing inappropriate strategies that are strongly rejected by the local community.

I wonder what guidelines and briefs these out of town consultants given.

Or is that commercial in confidence as well?

Bob Harris

Sawtell