Councillors divided over decision
THE decision to support the tourism merger of Southern Downs tourism bodies was passed by a single deciding vote from the Mayor, after councillors were split down the middle on the issue.
Deputy Mayor Ross Bartley and Councillors Glyn Rees, Vic Pennisi and Jamie Mackenzie all voted against the merger last week.
Cr Mackenzie said he didn't believe there was overwhelming support for the entity across the region.
"In my view, we could have stuck to current budgets and re-deployed spending to achieve greater area promotion," he said.
Cr Bartley said the councillors wouldn't back down on the issue.
"Personally I believe all the parties involved should have been shown the final model," he said.
Stanthorpe-based Cr Pennisi said he would have preferred if the recommendation had been circulated to the broader stakeholder/membership base for comment.
"I am fearful that what we have done to our tourist organisation was what was forced onto council some years back," he said.
