The Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) has determined it is in the public interest to advise it has not identified any corrupt conduct relating to the Gold Coast City Council’s (GCCC) decision to lease council-owned land at Bundall known as Black Swan Lake to the Gold Coast Turf Club and the decision to approve a development on the site.
The CCC examined records relating to these decisions and conducted interviews and did not identify any evidence of corrupt conduct as defined in section 15 of the Crime and Corruption Act 2001.
During the investigation the CCC interviewed a number of people who had publicly raised allegations of corrupt conduct relating to the GCCC and also people who privately complained to the CCC. Based on the interviews and an examination of material not readily available to the public, the CCC did not identify any evidence to support the assertions of corruption. Some minor matters concerning the alleged failure of a number of councillors to meet their obligations have been forwarded to the Office of the Independent Assessor for their consideration.
Whilst the CCC acknowledges this development remains of concern to some members of the public, ensuring adherence to development and environmental conditions is not a matter for the CCC unless there is corrupt conduct identified.
The CCC has also completed its investigation into the Waterglow development and the sale of land at 72 Remembrance Drive Surfers Paradise, including the sale of the Bruce Bishop Car Park. The CCC conducted interviews and examined records including material obtained from the person who was appointed by the GCCC as a probity advisor during the sale of this land.
The CCC’s investigation did not identify any conduct by the Mayor, Councillors or the Chief Executive Officer concerning conflicts of interests or other conduct that would amount to corrupt conduct as defined in section 15 of the Crime and Corruption Act 2001.
Some matters involving a council employee identified during the investigation of the Waterglow development that did not meet the threshold of corrupt conduct have been referred to the GCCC for possible disciplinary action.
The CCC’s investigation into these matters is now finalised.
The CCC is an independent agency combating major crime and reducing corruption for the benefit of the Queensland community.
ENDS
