Moorabool and Melton councils are reviewing the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission’s (IBAC’s) Operation Sandon report to examine best practices for council interactions with property developers.
IBAC’s Operation Sandon, was an investigation into whether any Casey councillors had accepted payments, gifts or other benefits, including political donations, in exchange for voting on or influencing council decisions on planning matters that favoured the interests of developer and planning consultant John Woodman and his clients.
The report puts forward 34 recommendations that could impact the ways councils interact with developers building in their communities.
The Local Government Inspectorate said last year that issues raised by Operation Sandon are important for growth areas on Melbourne’s outer-fringe.
Moorabool chief executive Derek Madden said council is currently undertaking a detailed review of the recommendations coming out of the report.
“Council will take a pragmatic approach when considering potential changes and continue to ensure current governance practices are maintained to ensure the integrity and transparency of council and councillor interactions,” he said.
Melton council confirmed it is reviewing the report on Operation Sandon and no decisions have yet been made.
