Meeting minutes

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES                                    8 APRIL 2025


7.          REPORTS FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE COMMITTEE



     7.1.     MCU24/0151 DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION FOR MATERIAL CHANGE OF
              USE FOR OUTDOOR SPORT & RECREATION (ROWING CLUB) AT LAKE
              MACDONALD DRIVE, LAKE MACDONALD

              In accordance with Chapter 5B of the Local Government Act 2009, Cr Stockwell
              provided the following declaration to the meeting of a declarable conflict of interest
              in this matter:

              I, Cr Stockwell, inform the meeting that I have a declarable conflict of interest in
              this matter due to my previous work in Lake Macdonald for Seqwater. In 2019 as
              part of a broader consultancy project that I completed as a sole trader I undertook
              Land Asset Classification of the land owned by Seqwater around the Lake
              Macdonald Dam. This work was at a strategic level and assessed the parcel in
              question as part of the broader evaluation. The project produced land capability
              and suitability assessments for various land uses, including for recreational
              pursuits such as that proposed in the application. In 2020 as part of a broader
              consultancy project I also undertook a further assessment evaluating the suitability
              of the land around Lake Macdonald for a solar farm.             Although I have a
              declarable conflict of interest, I do not believe a reasonable person could have a
              perception of bias because I have had no dealings with Seqwater in a private
              consultant capacity since that time. Therefore, I will choose to remain in the
              meeting room. However, I will respect the decision of the meeting on whether I can
              remain and participate in the decision.


              Committee Resolution
              Moved:            Cr Frank Wilkie
              Seconded:         Cr Amelia Lorentson
              That Council note the declarable conflict of interest by Cr Stockwell and determine
              that in accordance with s150ES of the Local Government Act 2009, and having
              considered the Councillor's conflict of interest as described, it is decided that Cr
              Stockwell may participate and vote on this matter relating to MCU24/0151
              Development Application Lot 1 RP 167252 Lake Macdonald Dr, Lake Macdonald
              as a reasonable person would not have a perception of bias as there is no
              personal gain or loss involved.
              For:        Crs Wilkie & Lorentson
              Against: Nil.
              Carried.
              Cr Stockwell having declared a conflict of interest was not eligible to vote.


              Committee Recommendation
              Moved:          Cr Amelia Lorentson
              Seconded:       Cr Frank Wilkie
              That Planning & Environment Committee Agenda Item 7.1 be referred to the
              General Committee for further consideration.
              Carried unanimously.