17-2-07

Media Release

Randwick City Council approves Contentious Hotel Applications

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Green and Labor Councillors clashed over the approval of development applications from two local Hotels at last Tuesday’s Health Building and Planning Committee meeting.

The Greens assert that companies or individuals associated with the Doncaster Hotel and the Coach and Horses Hotel donated funds to Labor’s 2003 Council election campaign in Randwick.

During the meeting all Labor Councillors present declared an interest in the matters.

2003 electoral returns by the Labor Councillors indicate a $5,000 donation from “Newhaven Park Ltd Mr F Kelly C/- Doncaster Hotel” and another $5,000 from “D Scicluna, Argos Investments 147 Avoca St Randwick”.

The owner of the Doncaster site was listed in the Council business paper as being “Kelly No.4 Pty Ltd” and sought to extend the number of patrons allowed on the terrace area of the Hotel.

The owner of the Coach and Horses was listed as “Argos Investments Pty Ltd” and sought to extend hours of operation on the first floor bar, pool and out door areas of the hotel.

During the debate Greens Councillor Murray Matson suggested that the Labor Councillors should consider not voting on the two applications.

Both applications were approved with some amendments on the vote of Labor and Liberal Councillors.

The Greens generally have recently called for more transparency in election donations.

During the current state election campaign Greens candidates across the state have agreed to publicly reveal all donations received as they come in – and not just after the election as legally required.

CONTACT Greens Councillor Murray Matson 0409-984-587