Council trip raises questions | Your Local Examiner
🟦 Core Issue
A City of Gosnells delegation travelled to Campbelltown, NSW to inspect a lagoon‑style aquatic facility. A local resident has questioned whether the $9,366 trip was necessary or good value for money.
🟦 What the City Says
The trip was part of due diligence for deciding the design of a new aquatic centre.
Five representatives attended, including the Mayor and CEO Ian Cowie.
The City argues:
There are no comparable lagoon-style facilities in WA, so an in‑person visit was needed.
A lagoon-style centre could cost around $50 million, so thorough investigation is “prudent and responsible”.
The trip provided valuable operational insights and direct engagement with Campbelltown staff.
Costs were covered under Elected Member Training and Development allowances.
All financial processes are subject to annual external audit.
🟦 What the Resident (James Rai) Says
He questions the cost and necessity of interstate travel.
Believes similar information could have been obtained via documents, data, or virtual briefings.
Suggests a smaller delegation would have been sufficient.
Concerned about spending during a time when households are tightening budgets.
Sees this as part of a broader pattern of council overspending.
Calls for slower rate rises and stronger cost discipline.
🟦 Broader Context
The City is comparing:
A $50m lagoon-style facility, versus
The proposed $132m SPLASH development.
The community has shown strong support for a new aquatic centre.
The trip is framed as part of assessing the most suitable and cost‑effective option.