Mayor Tim Overall was adamant no such bloc exists and said recent decisions were considered and well-informed as he expected of the council.

The council voted down a rescission motion brought by councillors Brian Brown and Radmila Noveska which would have undone the decision from November 22 to remove all support for the Molonglo Rail Trail.

It also approved a motion by deputy mayor Trevor Hicks which reintroduces the possibility of R5 and RU4 zoning in parts of Bywong and Wamboin. The area was slated to remain an E4 ‘environmental living’ zone.

The R5 and RU4 zones could allow sustainable primary industry practices such as ecotourism and further residential development with fewer environmental concerns.

Both these decisions went against the recommendations provided to the council by QPRC staff. General manager Peter Tegart said it was common practice for the council to overturn recommendations if it sees fit.

Both the original decision to withdraw rail trail support and turning down the rescission motion were decided by casting votes taken by Mayor Tim Overall.

The vote was split five to five as Cr Hicks left the room on both occasions due to a conflict of interest. 

The proposed rail trail would pass through Cr Hicks’ property.

Cr Brown said the decision to withdraw support for the rail trail represented a backflip by Cr Overall who as administrator had endorsed the region’s tourism strategy which featured the rail trail as a key element.

“The real question we need answered by Tim is why these 180 degree backflips,” he said.

Cr Brown moved a motion at the meeting that the council should review all decisions made under administration but it did not proceed.

Cr Overall said in a written response to questions that he stands by the decisions made during the administration period.

“I do not intend to respond to what appear to be some year-end political point scoring attempted muck-raking comments instead of concentrating on what is really occurring in our much wider council area,” he said.

“There are occasions, from time to time, when a majority or a minority of councillors may not necessarily agree with a staff recommendation.

“In regard to the E4 zone area, I presented my own well considered view which happened to support a motion essentially to the effect that parts of Bywong-Wamboin be further assessed and considered for alternative zoning.”

The vote regarding the new LEP elicited a terse exchange of words between Cr Peter Marshall and Cr Overall about a perceived voting bloc on the council.

Cr Marshall suggested councillors Overall, Taylor, Biscotti, Bray, Schweikert and Hicks voted together on most decisions ensuring their passing, often with the other five councillors in opposition.

Cr Overall rejected this immediately, asking Cr Marshall to withdraw such statements.