WAGGA mayor Greg Conkey had his leadership questioned after a councillor lodged a motion of no confidence against him.
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The motion comes in response to Cr Conkey's "comments and attitude" during the climate emergency debate at Monday night's council meeting.
"We can't solve all problems in our community, but we can and must plan to build a sustainable, resilient community and if you don't believe that's our obligation as councillors, I don't believe you should be in this chamber," Cr Conkey said during his argument.
Cr Paul Funnell, who initiated the motion of no confidence, has taken offence to the mayor questioning the councillors' motivations, as well as manipulating the meeting procedures.
During the climate emergency debates, Cr Conkey denied councillors from extending the five-minute speaking time by one minute and also entered the debate.
"How dare he say if we supported a rescission motion, we don't deserve to be in the chamber. Just because someone has a differing opinion, the Left want to personally attack," Cr Funnell said.
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"I do not have the confidence in him and I never did and never will, but this was a step too far."
Cr Conkey said he was "a bit confused" by the motion, believing it was taken out of context, and abided by the meeting procedures.
He said his comment related to the people using Facebook and mainstream media to limit the council's attention to roads, rates and rubbish.
"In that context, I said that we need to plan to build a resilient, sustainable community - which goes far beyond rates, roads and rubbish," he said.
"Cr Funnell said he supports environmental sustainability. So I assume we are on the same page with building a resilient, sustainable community."
Cr Rod Kendall described the motion as "lunacy", as every councillor has the right to express an opinion.
"The idea that because he's the mayor he can't hold a point of view and express it during debate is lunacy," he said.
"Every councillor has the right to debate. If someone does not agree, that doesn't led to a no confidence."
Crs Dan Hayes and Vanessa Keenan said they will give the motion "the time it deserves - which is none".
Cr Yvonne Braid, however, found the comment "absolutely disgusting" and supports the act of no confidence. "It is totally wrong for the mayor to say that. Who does he think he is?" she said.
Cr Kerry Pascoe said he will re-watch the council meeting to understand the context of the upcoming motion, while Cr Tim Koschel has made an official complaint that prevents him from speaking on the matter.
Cr Dallas Tout was contacted. The motion will be debated on August 12.