Scenic Rim Regional Council agreed to allocate up to $50,000 for an independent investigation into the blowout of gallery walk upgrade project.
In February at a special meeting council was advised that the original budget of $4.2 million, with a completion date in February 2026, had blown out by $1.6 million and completion would be delayed until June 2026.
Mayor Tom Sharp immediately called for an independent investigation.
“I believe we have a responsibility to the people we represent in terms of their money and how it’s spent and the projects that are approved by council are delivered on time and on budget. If they are not there needs to be a clear understanding why,” Mayor Sharp said at the council meeting.
“There have been a number of projects down through the years that have not been delivered on time and on budget of considerable dollars.”
He went on to list Brisbane Street and Enterprise Drive projects in Beaudesert and the Alpine Terrace footpath on Tamborine Mountain as examples.
Mayor Sharp said the rate payers were losing faith and trust in government as a result of this.
“I feel it is over time to draw a line the in sand to address these major issues as it is considerable taxpayers’ money,” he said.
“They deserve a fully disclosed detailed understanding of how their money has been spent or otherwise.
“The only way to reestablish that trust is through a fully independent investigation.”
