It follows a leaked report revealing council was strongly advised against lending the company money, despite councillors resolving in January 2012 to financially support it. 

Douglas Aerospace fell into voluntary administration earlier this month, raising questions over whether due diligence was taken.

Former councillor Clint Uden, who now works as an aerodrome reporting officer and works safety officer at eight different airports, said he “had concerns at the time” but WWCC general manager Phil Pinyon and commercial and economic development director Dr Peter Adams assured councillors Douglas Aerospace was a viable company.

“Councillors only get recommendations from senior bureaucrats who are paid six-figure salaries to ensure due diligence is taken,” Mr Uden said.

Mr Uden “couldn’t say” whether he thought due diligence had been made prior to voting in favour of the loan.

“I can just say we (councillors) were handed information; whether it was complete or accurate we wouldn’t know, but the proof is in the pudding and it looks like it wasn’t,” he said.

Mayor at the time Wayne Geale said there were fears that unless council did something to attract a business to the airport precinct, it would be difficult to establish it as a growing area.

“Part of that that was enticing a new (company),” he said.

“It’s fair enough for councillors saying that now, but at the time, the decision was made by a majority.”

Mr Geale said the matter generated a lot of discussion, but he felt information presented to councillors was adequate to see him vote in favour of the loan.

“All you can do is take on board the advice you’re given,” Mr Geale said.

Mr Geale couldn’t recall if he’d witnessed a report advising council against the loan.

“It’s right to ask what happened, but whether they (council) can release a confidential report, I don’t know,” Mr Geale said.

“I’d hate this to stop any future things to be done.”

Attempts to make the report public were flatly refused by council yesterday.

“The report is confidential and council officials, which includes staff and councillors, are not permitted to discuss or reveal the contents of confidential reports to council,” a spokesman said in a written statement.