samantha in the press

Yarra Ranges Council wants to ban the feeding of cockatoos in the Dandenong Ranges in bid to stop property damage
by Emily Webb
Free Press Leader
27 Feb 2013

Yarra Ranges Council opposes moves by Puffing Billy operators to allow permit exemptions for new building work
by Emily Webb
Free Press Leader
27 Feb 2013

Eastern Transport Coalition blames an oversight for leaving two Monash level crossings out of budget submission
by Tim Michell
Waverley Leader
26 Feb 2013

VicForests happy to talk with Yarra Ranges Council about move to area after ethical paper pledge retraction
by Kimberley Seedy
Lilydale Leader
25 Feb 2013

Belgrave residents this week can have their say this week on plans for a multi-purpose community space
by Emily Webb
Free Press Leader
24 Feb 2013

samantha in the press

Council's 'no' to Reflex action
by David Schout
Yarra Ranges Weekly
19 Feb 2013

Yarra Ranges Councillors refuse to rejoin ethical paper pledge to not buy Reflex paper
by Kimberley Seedy
Leader Newspapers
18 Feb 2013

Walkers kept out of harms way
by Jesse Graham
Mail Newspapers
20 Feb 2013

samantha in the press

Eastern Transport Coalition of seven councils wants fast tracked plans for Doncaster and Rowville lines
by Tim Michelle
Leader Newspapers
14 Feb 2013

Healesville complex proposal knocked back
by David Schout
Yarra Ranges Weekly
13 Feb 2013

ethical paper unpledged

report from the roundtable – 12 feb

At last night’s council meeting I moved a rescission motion in an attempt to convince councillors to maintain council’s support of the Ethical Paper Pledge. I was concerned that the complexities of the issue weren’t fully understood by my colleagues at our meeting of 11 December, 2012 where councillors voted to unsign the pledge and wanted an opportunity to present facts on the issue to my colleagues.

Yarra Ranges past Young Environmental Achiever of the Year, Jordan Crook, presented to council on the motion. He talked about the facts and the science and urged councillors to reinstate the support of the pledge. He spoke passionately about the science that shows clearfelling is not sustainable and how important it was to support workers and wildlife. He ended his presentation by urging councillors to “be leaders, don’t be led”.

In speaking to the rescission motion I talked about the significant role local government has to play as advocates, such an important role, that it is enshrined in the Local Government Act. I went on to talk about the expectation that we show leadership and signing the pledge is a public way to demonstrate that. I reiterated that when council first supported the pledge we received 56 emails in support in 2 days, unprecedented for local government, who generally don’t receive many letters of support.

Leadership is about doing what’s right and it was my view that the campaign around the controversy of signing the pledge was orchestrated by only a handful people. I also posed the question, how many jobs have been lost because we signed the pledge? None. I reminded councillors of our Vision, how strong environmental values featured in the vision because it’s important to our community.

In relation to VicForests I highlighted to councillors that it is my understanding that VicForests don’t want to move to Yarra Ranges and asked councillors what efforts they’d undertaken to ascertain if VicForests wanted to move. The VicForests move would see 30 city based people relocated, it’s not about new job creation, it’s about making those city based people commute out to Yarra Ranges. As a ‘government business enterprise’ it is the VicForests Board who makes decisions about where they move, not the Minister, they are not a government department, they are supposed to be autonomous from government.

I highlighted my concerns about state government interference, referring to the letter written to council by Minister Walsh. Council’s relationship is not in jeopardy from this. The community wants local government to make decisions in their own right, not with pressure from state government. It’s not necessary to play this political game of football and kowtowing to state government does not strengthen our relationship.

In relation to the last part of my argument around Forest Stewardship Council certification, I advised councillors that Australian Paper, makers of Reflex, lost their FSC certification because they source woodchip from high conservation forest, they log high conservation forest and I looked forward to a time when Australian made FSC certified paper will be available.

Cr Jason Callanan in speaking against the motion said he hasn’t changed his view and hasn’t seen any resounding facts to change his mind.

Cr Len Cox in speaking for the motion talked about the extraordinary overreaction from one small element of the community and state government over signing the Ethical Paper Pledge. He highlighted the ongoing losses sustained by VicForests with the bill footed by taxpayers. He talked about the forest before and after clearfelling and the importance of tourism as one of our biggest employers. He also talked about the importance of council being an independent thinker.

Cr Terry Avery spoke in support of the motion. He highlighted we are charged with protecting and enhancing the environment and unsigning the pledge made a mockery of that.

Cr Andy Witlox spoke against the motion. He said that he will continue to support local industry, a small industry with a long history, and wont boycott but support this local product.

Cr Fiona McAllister spoke against the motion, she reiterated she’d made her views clear in a letter to the paper, talked about a degree of confusion, and how the issue is dividing “her” community. She assured the meeting she was committed to looking after endangered species, however thought it was only appropriate for individuals and non government organisations to sign the pledge. She said she was astounded by valuable council time being used on this issue.

Cr Maria McCarthy said she supported Cr McAllister’s comments.

Cr Jim Child said he wouldn’t speak on the matter

Cr Noel Cliff spoke in support of the motion. He challenged Cr McAllister’s comments in relation to taking up “valuable council time” and said the importance of the issue meant we should take as much time as we need. He highlighted how critical the environment is, we live in it and it sustains us. If it takes up twice as much time to debate then he’s happy to take the time and we should take the time. He talked about children and their future and how he thought people with children would have thought looking after the environment was one of the most important issues into the future. He highlighted the dire state of the Leadbeaters Possum which we are succeeding in wiping off the planet. He’s not against the timber industry but against pulping and once again raised the issue of the loss of taxpayers’ dollars by VicForests and how important tourism is for our local economy.

In summing up I raised the issue of political agendas as it has been a recurrent theme in local media and social networking sites that the pledge has been a political and personal agenda of mine.

The original vote to sign the pledge was 8 councillors for and 1 against. Those councillors are from all persuasions, they’re certainly not Greens councillors.

I posed the question, If I’m running a personal or political agenda then why do I keep getting re-elected, an election is a good test of whether you are representing the community and as the councillor with the highest primary vote at the last election I’m clearly not running personal or political agendas.

What we have seen is a well orchestrated campaign by the Liberal/National party run through our local media and social networking sites.

At that point I referred to slides that had been presented by Cr McCarthy at the last meeting with some additional commentary added by me.

I reminded Cr Callanan of his election commitments to support a ‘great and beautiful environment’, I reminded Cr Wiltox of his statements about “protecting our environment”.

I held up a copy of The Age – A state of extinction. Our Leadbeaters Possum is at a critical point, before long it will be extinct.

I asked councillors if they care about
Climate change
Water security
Food security
Wildlife
Habitat
Intergenerational inheritance

It is our children, and Jordan (our submitter) who will be dealing with this mess, I urged councillors to be leaders, our community expects nothing less.

The motion was lost 4 votes for, 5 votes against.

For: Crs Samantha Dunn, Noel Cliff, Len Cox and Terry Avery
Against: Crs Fiona McAllister, Jason Callanan, Andy Witlox, Maria McCarthy and Jim Child.

to pledge or not to pledge, the ethical paper pledge debate returns 12 feb

At our last meeting of 2012 the issue of the Ethical Paper Pledge and relocation of Vic Forests head office to Yarra Ranges was debated due to a notice of motion submitted by Cr Jim Child.

Cr Child’s Motion
That Council:
1) Acknowledge that its procurement policy supports sustainability, protection of the environment, corporate social responsibility and local community needs.
2) Acknowledge that it purchases copy paper in line with that procurement policy, with Australian Paper supplying almost 100% of Council’s paper, its Australian™ product line having been chosen on its environmental credentials and its alignment with our sustainable procurement commitment.
3) In recognition of items 1 and 2 above, retract from the Wilderness Society's 'Ethical Paper Pledge' and withdraw its direct involvement with that pledge.
4) Write to the VicForests Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, expressing support for facilitating the relocation of the VicForests Head Office to the Yarra Ranges municipality.

Debate lasted for some time with a clear division of new councillors and longer serving councillors. Many of the arguments put were patently incorrect but the numbers were there to see council agree to the motion with the inclusion of an additional point pertaining to FSC paper suggested by Cr McAllister (below) and agreed to by Cr Child and McCarthy (the seconder).

Cr McAllister’s suggested amendment to the motion
5. Request officers to report on options for purchasing copy paper that is Australian made and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified.

The vote was won and a division was called.
For: Crs McAllister, Witlox, Callanan, McCarthy and Child
Against: Crs Dunn, Cox, Cliff and Avery

I felt it important to move a rescission motion as many of the arguments put were incorrect. I am hoping that my colleagues have had time to explore the matter further and learn more about the issue. The rescission motion will be heard at council’s first meeting for 2013 on February 12.

My rescission motion:
That the resolution of Council on 11 December 2012 relating to Item 9.3 – Ethical Paper Pledge, be rescinded.

Contingent to my Notice of Motion to Rescind resolution being carried, I wish to put forward the following motion:

That Council:
1) Maintain its support of the Ethical Paper Pledge.
2) Write to VicForests to commence discussions regarding the relocation of their Head Office to the Yarra Ranges.
3) Purchase Australian made FSC certified paper when it becomes available.

In a nutshell the rescission motion seeks to maintain council’s support of the Ethical Paper Pledge, we have never received more letters of support than when we signed the pledge, a great rarity in local government.

It also seeks to ask VicForests if they want to relocate to Yarra Ranges, rather than being used a political football between Minister Walsh and Yarra Ranges. I’ve heard they don’t want to move, their staff not keen to do the commute from the inner city out to Yarra Ranges, I think it would be a sensible move to just ask them directly.

Lastly it picks up on Cr McAllister’s addition to the last motion regarding the purchase of FSC certified paper, FSC is a far more credible certification scheme, internationally recognised for certifying and labeling forests products.

In a future blog entry I’ll put up some of the debate from the December meeting, that’s enough writing for this entry.

ethical paper back on the agenda

I see as I flicked through my council agenda for next meeting, hot off the press last night the following motion has been lodged by Cr Child. When Yarra Ranges signed the ethical paper pledge we received more letters of support over that than anything council had ever done although Minister Walsh wasn't particularly happy, going to be an interesting meeting next Tuesday.

Motion received from Cr Child


9.3 Ethical Paper Pledge

MOTION

That Council:

1) Acknowledge that its procurement policy supports sustainability, protection of the environment, corporate social responsibility and local community needs.

2) Acknowledge that it purchases copy paper in line with that procurement policy, with Australian Paper supplying almost 100% of Council’s paper, its Australian™ product line having been chosen on its environmental credentials and its alignment with our sustainable procurement commitment.

3) In recognition of items 1 and 2 above, retract from the Wilderness Society's 'Ethical Paper Pledge' and withdraw its direct involvement with that pledge.

4) Write to the VicForests Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, expressing support for facilitating the relocation of the VicForests Head Office to the Yarra Ranges Muncipality.

To access the council agenda, click here

To find out councillor contact info, click here

samantha in the press

Meddling Greens refuse to adopt policy of common sense
Herald Sun
by Miranda Devine
29 July 2012

warburton environment takes the lead

I was delighted to be invited to talk at a recent Warburton Environment General Meeting. I was asked specifically to speak about the Shire's Ethical Paper Pledge, which council committed to in April, 2011.


Outgoing Warburton Environment President,
Keith Sarah, Cr Samantha Dunn and incoming
President Karina Doughty.

The meeting was very well attended by locals interested in environmental issues in the region. 

The meeting welcomed new Warburton Environment President, Karina Doughty, and paid tribute to outgoing President, Keith Sarah, who has worked tirelessly to continue to raise the issue of logging in the Warburton region of the Central Highlands.

Warburton Environment are currently lobbying VicForests to permanently remove Cement Creek and Starvation Creek from their Timber Release Plans and have an online petition you can sign. 

Warburton Environment were also the organisers for the Biggest Picnic Ever in the Forest (up near Cement Creek), designed to raise awareness about the values of the forest, the endangered species that live there and to highlight just how very precious these forests are.

If you'd like to know more about Warburton Environment or support their activities visit their website here.

If you'd like to find out about the Ethical Paper Pledge click here. 

samantha in the press - ethical paper

Come back from the Wilderness
Leader Newspapers
by Alex Munro
27 Jul 2011

samantha in the press - environment

Paper fight hots up
Mail Newspapers
by Kath Gannaway
28 June 2011

ethical paper, logging and the ombudsman

Since council resolved to support the Ethical Paper pledge back in April, there has been continuing and ongoing media interest.

The ongoing interference in local democracy is explored in this story in a local paper, I hope the state government is not trying to pressure our decision making process and our independence in decision making.

Paper warfare intensifies
Mail Newspapers
by Kath Gannaway
21 June 2011

Even though we continue to be told that logging is managed sustainably, the Ombudsman has been asked to investigate VicForests:

Call for inquiry as salvaged wood exported

The Age

by Josh Gordon

20 June 2011

Ombudsman asked to investigate log exports
ABC News

20 June 2011

Bushfire logs heading offshore

774 AM
by Simon Lauder

Minister for Agriculture, Peter Walsh, says council has a developer for the VicForests office. Just for the record it was VicForests who approached the Shire of Yarra Ranges about the relocation, although the media doesn't seem too keen on reporting this. And VicForests did it under no illusion about the stance of council and it's opposition to logging of water catchments and the Toolangi region at the time.

Walsh reveals council had developers interested in building Vicforests office
Leader Newspapers
by Alex Munro
21 June 2011

The export of salvage logs to China gets some local media attention:

China log shipment embarrasses VicForests
Maroondah Weekly
by Melissa Cunningham
21 June 2011

Local member, Brad Battin, accuses council of 'rushing ahead with a motion without consulting with the community, just like it had done so with the Ethical Paper Pledge'.

Cox calls for more roadside planting
Leader Newspapers
by Kimberley Seedy
20 June 2011

Protesters continue to advocate on behalf of the threatened species of the Central Highlands forests.

Conservationists target paper office
9 News
by Belinda Cranston
23 June 2011

ethical paper, logging and vicforests relocation, the story continues

There's been a lot of continued interest around logging, Yarra Ranges Council decision to sign the Ethical Paper Pledge and the relocation of VicForests. In this dispatch:

In another extraordinary turn of events, the Yarra Glen Chamber of Commerce supports the Lilydale Chamber of Commerce in their stance to oppose council's decision to support the Ethical Paper pledge.

Yarra Glen business backs Lilydale's Reflex stance
Leader Newspapers
by Alex Munro
13 June 2011

And for those of you wondering what the view line from Yarra Glen would look like should logging continue at Mt St Leonard, you should click here.

The issue of the potential loss of Forest Stewardship Council certification of Reflex got a mention.

Council's ethical stand vindicated
Mail Newspapers
by Mara Pattison-Sowden
9 June 2011

The Latrobe City Council is now pitching for the relocation of the VicForests office to their municipality.

Council pounces on jobs
Latrobe Valley Express
by Phillipa Williams
9 June 2011

Whilst it seems there's been some highly questionable logging/export practices with salvage logs being exported to China. Logs are supposed to be 'processed' in Victoria in order to protect jobs. Does chopping them to size to fit in a shipping container really constitute processing?

VicForests investigates timber claim
The Age
by Jared Lynch and Ben Butler
11 June 2011

China logs
ABC Stateline
by Cheryl Hall
10 June 2011

And whilst all this goes on, plantation timber can meet all our needs.

ethical paper - commentary continues

The commentary continues from Yarra Ranges council resolution to sign the Ethical Paper Pledge. I've received a terrific amount of support for council's position when I've been out and about at events in the local community.

We've had a letter in the local paper from MP for Evelyn, Christine Fyffe. Christine covers the Lilydale region of the Shire.

We've had a letter in the local paper from MP for Gembrook, Brad Battin. Brad covers the Dandenong Ranges in the Belgrave/Selby area as well as the Upper Yarra area including Yarra Junction and Warburton.

There's been an article in the Weekly Times where John Lenders has told Victorian Parliament that Japanese-owned Australian Paper, near Traralgon, is likely to lose "international environmental accreditation'' unless it moves away from native forest woodchip harvested by Victorian Government native forest logging agency VicForests.

Australian Paper jobs on the line
Weekly Times
by Leslie White
7 June 2011

We've seen Lilydale Chamber of Commerce president, Aussie Home Loans franchisee Alister Osborn, come out against council's support of the Ethical Paper Pledge.

Lilydale business to fight council Reflex paper ban
Leader Newspapers
by Alex Munro
7 June 11

We've also see The Age feature a story highlighting that Australian Paper's international certification is at risk will come as an embarrassment to Agriculture Minister Peter Walsh, who recently threatened to take forestry jobs away from the Yarra Ranges Council unless it ends a boycott of Reflex paper.

Green paper needs Reflex action
The Age
by Ben Butler
30 May 2011

It's seems at the heart of it was the letter that council received from Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, Peter Walsh. Futher exacerbated by a hand out of this letter at the MAV state council meeting.

I reiterate the statement issued by our Mayor in relation to our resolution to sign the Ethical Paper Pledge.

Ethical Paper Pledge
"Council's procurement policy supports sustainability, protection of the environment, corporate social responsibility and local community needs.

We purchase copy paper in line with the procurement policy, it requires that paper is made in Australia to minimise 'paper miles' and our carbon footprint. The paper Yarra Ranges purchases contains 80% recycled fibre and 20% plantation timber fibre, it contains no native forest content from any country.

Australian Paper supplies almost 100% of Council's paper and their Australian (TM) product line was chosen on its environmental credentials and alignment with our sustainable procurement commitments.

We purchase paper in accordance with the Ethical Paper Pledge and encourage other authorities to do likewise. We feel strongly that the pledge is an accurate reflection of our commitment to sustainability, protection of the environment, corporate social responsibility and local community needs as outlined in the procurement policy."

Relocation of VicForests' corporate offices
"Council is supportive in principle of a proposal to relocate the VicForests corporate headquarters to the Yarra Glen/Healesville area. As part of this approach, the CEO of Yarra Ranges Council has had meetings with Minister Walsh and the VicForests CEO to advance the project.

Such a partnership would demonstrate the commitment of State Government and Council to expand local employment bases, promote working closer to home, deliver recurrent operational savings and stimulate the local economy in areas directly affected by the February 2009 bushfires.

We are disappointed that Minister Walsh has chosen to establish a direct link between the two unrelated issues. We certainly remain open to discussing the opportunities to partner with the State Government to relocate VicForests' corporate headquarters to Yarra Ranges."

samantha in the press - ethical paper

Council's resolution to support the Ethical Paper Pledge has certainly been a hot media topic. There's been many media stories generated since we committed to sign the pledge at our meeting of the 27th April, 2011.

This is what an intact forest in the Central Highlands looks like before it is logged for woodchips. This forest, although in Melbourne's water catchment, is not protected from logging.


Council urged to lure VicForests
ABC Gippsland
6 June 2011

Blackmail on green paper pledge
Greg Barber MP speaks to the issue in the Victorian Parliament.
1 June 2011

Victorian Councils reject Yarra Ranges Reflex boycott
Leader Newspapers
by Alex Munro
1 June 2011

This is what a Mountain Ash forest looks like after being logged for pulpwood, and to think there's enough plantation wood to meet the needs of paper manufacturers.


Green ideas mock us all
Herald Sun
by Miranda Devine
26 May 2011


Yarra Ranges councillor slams Reflex boycott
Leader Newspapers
by Alex Munro
25 May 2011

And this is a "habitat tree", left and not logged so the fauna of the forest has somewhere to live after logging. After the regeneration burn, this once magnificent tree is near death and isn't providing habitat for anything.

Yarra Ranges paper stand fallout
Leader Newspapers
by Alex Munro
25 May 2011


Reflex rebellion
Mail Newspapers
by Mara Pattison-Sowden
24 May 2011

council told to lift reflex ban

Readers will recall that at the council meeting on the 27th April, I moved the Ethical Paper Pledge motion which was supported by a majority vote of council. Council has since gone on to sign the pledge which is a public statement of commitment not to purchase paper with native forest content.

The signing of this pledge and it's implications has since been highlighted in an article in the Herald Sun.
Council told to lift ban on Reflex paper or lose new jobs
by Anne Wright
21 May 2011

In response Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Terry Avery issued this statement:

Ethical Paper Pledge
"Council's procurement policy supports sustainability, protection of the environment, corporate social responsibility and local community needs. We purchase copy paper in line with the procurement policy, it requires that paper is made in Australia to minimise 'paper miles' and our carbon footprint.

The paper Yarra Ranges purchases contains 80% recycled fibre and 20% plantation timber fibre, it contains no native forest content from any country.

Australian Paper supplies almost 100% of Council's paper and their Australian (TM) product line was chosen on its environmental credentials and alignment with our sustainable procurement commitments.

We purchase paper in accordance with the Ethical Paper Pledge and encourage other authorities to do likewise. We feel strongly that the pledge is an accurate reflection of our commitment to sustainability, protection of the environment, corporate social responsibility and local community needs as outlined in the procurement policy."

Relocation of VicForests' corporate offices
"Council is supportive in principle of a proposal to relocate the VicForests corporate headquarters to the Yarra Glen/Healesville area. As part of this approach, the CEO of Yarra Ranges Council has had meetings with Minister Walsh and the VicForests CEO to advance the project.

Such a partnership would demonstrate the commitment of State Government and Council to expand local employment bases, promote working closer to home, deliver recurrent operational savings and stimulate the local economy in areas directly affected by the February 2009 bushfires.

We are disappointed that Minister Walsh has chosen to establish a direct link between the two unrelated issues.

We certainly remain open to discussing the opportunities to partner with the State Government to relocate VicForests' corporate headquarters to Yarra Ranges."

samantha in the press - environment

Fears for possum's fate
Yarra Ranges Weekly
by Cameron Lucadou-Wells
03 May 2011

samantha in the press - environment

Do you agree with Yarra Ranges Council ban of Reflex paper?
Leader Newspapers
by Kimberley Seedy
2 May 2011

ethical paper pledge for yarra ranges

report from the round table - 27th april

At this week's council meeting I moved a motion for Yarra Ranges to support the Ethical Paper pledge.

The motion:

1. That the Shire of Yarra Ranges sign the Ethical Paper pledge;

2. That the Shire of Yarra Ranges sponsor the attached motion* for adoption at the Municipal Association of Victoria State Council meeting on 26 May 2011.

*(note wording referred to in item 2 is: That the MAV "promote environmental and sustainable outcomes" as per its procurement policy by taking the following actions: a) signing the Ethical Paper Pledge; b) implementing the Ethical Paper Pledge in its purchasing and procurement practices; c) recommending that all MAV member Councils also sign and implement the Pledge.)

In speaking to the motion I spoke about the Shire's procurement policy, the financial impact on procurement and the ecological issues associated with logging our forests for pulp.

The motion is a public recognition of the position Yarra Ranges currently takes. We do not purchase copy paper with any native forest content (be it native forest from this country or overseas). By signing the pledge there would be no financial impact on our procurement as we don't buy these unsustainable products.

Our procurement policy is clearly defined in relation to Sustainable Procurement, it states "Council is committed to the principles of sustainable and environmental procurement when buying goods.....by giving consideration to: Minimising environmental impacts of the goods and services over their whole of life; Suppliers socially and evironmentally responsible practices".

I have been told by executives of Australian Paper that 19% of their paper pulp is sourced from native forests, native forests in the Central Highlands and in the Water Catchments in Yarra Ranges (among others too). So every sheet of Reflex paper contains 19% native forest. It doesn't have to be this way, plantation timber is available to fulfill the supply chain and would mean that our beautiful native forests wouldn't be destroyed to make paper.

Past Freedom of Information applications have revealed that up to 85% of logged native forest went to woodchip, that's too much of our forest being pulped, putting at risk biodiversity and water supply.

Vegetation clearing contributes to 19% of greenhouse gas emissions world wide. The Mountain Ash forests of the Central Highlands have been shown to be the most carbon dense in the world, and yet they are logged for paper pulp.

Logging of our native forests in the Central Highlands puts at risk threatened species like Victoria's faunal emblem, Leadbeater's Possum, now at critical levels with less than 1,000 left in the wild and no captive breeding programs. Species such as the Sooty Owl and Barred Galaxias are also at risk and impacted by logging operations in the Central Highlands.

Plantation timber is an option, there is enough plantation timber to completely substitute the native forest content of Australian Paper's Reflex.

This motion is about a commitment to ethical purchasing and ensuring that paper purchased does not contain native forest.

We still hear from the industry that logging is sustainable, but as the pressure of carbon management, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting biodiversity, securing water supply grows greater every day it is hard to justify the ongoing clearfelling of our native forests for paper pulp.

Councillors supporting the motion:

Crs Samantha Dunn, Jeanette McRae, Len Cox, Tim Heenan, Terry Avery, Richard Higgins and Graham Warren.

Councillors against the motion:

Cr Chris Templer

Councillors absent:

Cr Noel Cliff