Council Clash: Member for Wahroonga and Council at Odds

In May and June, Member for Wahroonga Alister Henskens SC, used Parliamentary privilege to deliver statements targeting the alleged mismanagement of elected Ku-ring-gai Councillors and employees. He named long-standing Councillors Christine Kay (now Mayor), Cedric Spencer, and Jeff Pettit, questioning accountability for ratepayers’ money regarding a 29% rate increase and over $33 million in cost overruns across major projects.

Mr Henskens focused on perceived council failings at three sites: the Ku-ring-gai High School hockey field, the St Ives High School Indoor Sports Centre, and Norman Griffiths Oval.

Mayor Christine Kay responded “As Mayor I am disappointed that a local state MP has chosen to undermine the carefully considered decisions of the elected Council regarding major community projects.”

Council clarified the specific details of the disputed projects:

• Ku-ring-gai High School Hockey Field: Mr Henskens criticised Council over delays regarding a $2.25 million State Government grant. However, the grant was awarded to the Northern Suburbs and Beaches Hockey Association, not Council. Council contributed approximately $1 million to upgrade the school carpark, while construction was undertaken by the Department of Education.
• St Ives High School Indoor Sports Centre: While a $3.5 million grant was awarded via the Greater Sydney Sports Facility Fund, Council refuted claims that they shortsightedly rejected joining the initial Department of Education construction contract. Doing so required a commitment within two months, at which point the project was largely unfunded and lacked required legal, risk, and planning reviews. By delaying, Council successfully negotiated community use of the facility for 50 years instead of the initial 20-year term.
• Norman Griffiths Oval: Council stated that cost increases are being funded by Council’s reserves – not the proposed special rate variation. They noted that Mr Henskens has yet to voice his concerns at a monthly Public Forum.

At its June 16 meeting, Council unanimously resolved to:

• Have the Mayor write an official response to Mr Henskens, enclosing the Mayoral Minute, asking him to clarify facts, correct errors, and/or provide a public apology.
• Call for a “positive reset” to work together for the betterment of residents.
• File an official Citizen’s Right of Reply through the NSW Parliament.

The dispute has sparked a significant rift. On June 19, Councillor Cedric Spencer announced he had been issued a six-month suspension by the Liberal Party for public comments made about Mr Henskens, which the party viewed as likely to “damage or embarrass the Division” ahead of the state election.

Cr Spencer posted to Facebook “I served the Liberal Party for many years and hold traditional Liberal values. However, where party loyalty conflicts with my duty to the community, the community must come first. That principle will guide me as an independent. I do not regret standing up for Ku-ring-gai Council, its representatives, and the residents of the Wahroonga Ward.”

The fallout has fuelled speculation on whether Cr Spencer will contest the seat of Wahroonga as an Independent in the next state election.