The first such event in the city aims to “raise the visibility of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex communities in the Riverina”. 

Cr Paul Funnell said he was not at a prior meeting on council’s Mardi Gras sponsorship and now wanted to speak for “a lot of people”.

“Their voice has not been heard at this table,” he said.

“I’m not entering into a debate; I’m simply putting forward my personal opposition to this and on behalf of the people who don’t support this.”

The motion to enter a float was brought at the request of council staff and will cost $700 including a registration fee and equipment use.

The motion passed with support from all councillors except Cr Funnell’s vote against and Cr Yvonne Braid abstaining from voting.