RECENT feuds within council's ranks will not devalue its future representation at state and national conferences, according to the city's general manager.
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His comments follow Monday night's meeting when councillors debated at length a call for voting guidelines for elected council delegates - which was withdrawn before a formal vote - and a motion of no confidence in Cr Vanessa Keenan, which was defeated 5-4.
Cr Tim Koschel initiated both motions following the Local Government NSW conference where the state's councils voted to lobby the state government to declare a climate emergency. Cr Keenan came under fire for refusing to divulge her vote, despite not being the only councillor to do so.
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Cr Koschel said the motion was a way to express his disappointment and hold people to account.
Cr Keenan said it appeared to be "a public rap over the knuckles" rather than a way to unite the council. Her fellow councillor Rod Kendall, who was also a delegate, agreed the motion was moved to "divide and not unite". He said there were more than 120 motions and no instructions on how councillors should vote.
Cr Dan Hayes said Cr Koschel was entitled to move the no confidence motion, but it was "a waste of everyone's time," whereas Cr Paul Funnell said the delegates were elected to represent council and believes its interests were not heard.
Despite the debate, general manager Peter Thompson said ratepayers' money is well spent on sending council delegates to the annual local government conference.
Mr Thompson said it gives council access to "high-quality information" on current issues affecting local government and resolutions such as the climate emergency were only one component to the yearly meet-up.
"Usually ministers and shadow ministers speak and there are separate workshops going concurrently on issues such as recycling and waste management. It is a good way for councillors to get accurate and current information at the highest level," he said.
"Not withstanding the notice of motion ... I don't see that having any impact on council participating at the conference in the future. It is a valuable part of the yearly calendar ... we will get over this current issue and participate in the way that is good for this council and region."
Mr Thompson said the councillors have agreed that they need to "work cohesively" in the future.
