The investigator who will oversee an inquiry into "what went wrong" on Lords Place has been revealed.
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Sydney-based lawyer Brooke Pendlebury is appointed to the role, the Central Western Daily understands.
Ms Pendlebury has previously worked with Orange City Council and sits on the code of conduct panel.
The upcoming inquiry will examine:
- Whether all relevant accurate information was officially given to councillors prior to the approval.
- Whether all required/usual planning protocols and procedures were undertaken in relation to this matter.
- Whether there were any concerns raised by staff involved in the development, especially in relation to the apparent haste in implementing the project, and, if so, how were these concerns addressed?
- Whether the immediate start on the project was consistent with regulations, especially in relation to the effective blocking of any potential rescission motion.
- Whether there was effective consultation/ communication with the business owners during the development. Did the minutes of the meetings held, accurately reflect the content of those meetings and were these minutes adopted at subsequent meetings?
- Whether the differences between the concept plans and the actual development were necessary, specifically in relation to the arrangement of the double tree pits as perpendicular to the footpath rather than angled to align better with the parking spaces
- What internal reviews have already been conducted to date, and what is the outcome of any such reviews?
Total costs for the inquiry are estimated at about $20,000 to $25,000.
It unclear when work is likely to begin. Councillors are yet to be interviewed.
Ms Pendlebury chose not to respond when contacted by the CWD several times for comment.
In September almost every business on the street signed a petition requesting an independent investigation, and exploration into the viability of demolishing the $1.58 million renovations.
"We got this wrong," Cr Frances Kinghorne, who kicked-off the push for external review, previously said.
"I want to show we understand and want to learn lessons from the project so we ... do not have a repeat of this debacle."
Nearly-$325,000 worth of outdoor furniture from the demolished street revamp is now available for loan. It's unclear how many businesses have applied.
William Davis
Covering local government and breaking news in Orange with the Central Western Daily. Got a story? Contact me at william.davis@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Covering local government and breaking news in Orange with the Central Western Daily. Got a story? Contact me at william.davis@austcommunitymedia.com.au
