East coast public adjusters

CHENNAI: The Madras high court on Thursday summoned three senior secretaries of the state government in addition to the commissioner of the Chennai Corporation to explain rampant violation of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) in construction of luxury bungalows along East Coast Road (ERC). Besides ordering personal appearance of secretaries of municipal administration, housing & urban development, member-secretary of Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA), and commissioner of the Chennai Corporation, a division bench of Justice M Sathyanarayanan and Justice N Seshasayee also imposed Rs 25,000 each as cost on CMDA and Chennai Corporation for abdicating their duties. The court said the cost shall be used for providing basic amenities to corporation-run schools. The bench passed the directions on a batch of pleas seeking direction to authorities to consider re-classification of Akkarai and Sholinganallur villages on ECR, which were declared no-development zones under CRZ-II … [Read more...] about Madras high court summons three government secretaries over Coastal Regulation Zone violations on East Coast Road

Email By Rebeka Powell and staff Updated December 07, 2019 15:05:37 Video: House fire sparks large blaze east of Ipswich (ABC News) Related Story: Emergency warning as fires flare in Queensland amid extreme heat Related Story: 'It's only going to get worse': One home destroyed as Millmerran fire threat continues Map: QLD A fast-moving blaze at Ipswich sparked by a house fire is now threatening other properties in the area as temperatures soar in south-east Queensland. Key points:A fire weather warning is in place for the Darling Downs, south-east coast and Wide Bay-BurnettFire crews were kept busy overnight with blazes at Redbank Creek, Esk and Wivenhoe PocketAs temperatures approach 40C, residents say it is "too hot" to be at the beach The house where the fire started appeared to be completely destroyed but Queensland Ambulance said no-one was injured.A warning has been issued by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) for people in the nearby parts of Bundamba … [Read more...] about Ipswich fire destroys one home, threatens more properties as temperatures in the south-east hit 40C

Email ABC Wide Bay By Jess Lodge Posted December 18, 2017 14:27:34 Photo: Eleven Fraser Coast councillors are being sued for defamation. (Supplied: Fraser Coast Regional Council) Related Story: Fraser Coast Council has 'leadership team in crisis', report finds Related Story: CCC investigation latest in series of troubles at Fraser Coast Council Related Story: Fraser Coast Mayor charged with misconduct, computer hacking Related Story: Local Government Minister threatens to suspend Fraser Coast Mayor Map: Bundaberg 4670 The Fraser Coast Regional Council and its 11 councillors are being sued for defamation by the council's former chief executive Lisa Desmond.Ms Desmond was sacked in February when seven of the 11 councillors voted to dismiss her.It came after long-running and public disagreements between Ms Desmond and mayor Chris Loft.Ms Desmond filed a defamation claim in the Supreme Court of Queensland on November 30.She has claimed damages for "loss and damage to … [Read more...] about Former chief executive Lisa Desmond files defamation suit against Fraser Coast council

Email ABC Wide Bay By Dominic Cansdale Posted September 21, 2016 14:13:06 Photo: Fraser Coast councillors shortly after they were elected in April 2016. (Supplied: Fraser Coast Regional Council) Map: Maryborough 4650 A week after Fraser Coast Mayor Chris Loft referred several 'anomalies' within the council to the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC), details over their exact nature are yet to be explained.A CCC spokesperson confirmed it had received information from the Mayor but had not begun a formal investigation."When the CCC receives information or a complaint, it first conducts an assessment to determine whether the matter falls within the CCC's jurisdiction, whether an investigation is warranted and, if so, which agency should be responsible," the spokesperson said."It is important to note that an assessment is not an investigation."Cr Loft said the matter was "now in the hands of the CCC" and that the issues raised pre-dated his election in April, when he was … [Read more...] about Crime and Corruption Commission considers Fraser Coast Council ‘anomalies’, but details unclear

Email ABC Wide Bay By Dominic Cansdale Posted November 30, 2016 19:13:16 Photo: Fraser Coast Mayor Chris Loft stands for a vote at Council chambers in Maryborough. (ABC Wide Bay: Dominic Cansdale) Map: Maryborough 4650 Fraser Coast Mayor Chris Loft has written a scathing open letter, accusing several councillors of undermining and disrespecting his authority, and jeopardising the region's economy.In the two-page letter, Cr Loft stated that councillors who "break ranks" and deal directly with senior staff "are attempting to control the executive and administrative arm without my authority and this is tantamount to a coup".Cr Loft singled out Deputy Mayor George Seymour and said he had been "acting more like an opposition leader", alongside Councillor Stuart Taylor. Councillor David Lewis was also mentioned in the letter, with Cr Loft saying his past comments to media "fan the flames and attract more attention from the State Government", although he did not elaborate … [Read more...] about ‘Bizarre and disappointing’: Fraser Coast councillors respond to Mayor’s ultimatum

Email ABC Wide Bay By Dominic Cansdale Posted November 03, 2016 13:22:11 Photo: The report says the council is operating despite the dysfunction. (Supplied: Fraser Coast Regional Council) Map: Maryborough 4650 The relationship between Fraser Coast Regional Council mayor Chris Loft and chief executive officer Lisa Desmond is the "single biggest issue the council continues to face", according to a report tabled in State Parliament. The report is the result of a three-month intervention period, where the state Department of Local Government appointed an advisor to Fraser Coast Regional Council after complaints of internal squabbling were made public by Maryborough MP Bruce Saunders.Local Government and Regional Services deputy director-general Stephen Johnston initially started in the advisory role on July 4, but was replaced by former Cassowary Coast chief executive Terry Brennan just six weeks later.State Government puts council 'on notice'Deputy Premier and Minister for … [Read more...] about Distrust and dysfunction: advisor’s report on Fraser Coast Council