Tony Moore reports in the Brisbane Times (15.3.16) on claims that the Gold Coast City Council has been collecting millions of dollars in ratepayer levies for bushland maintenance, but spending the money on other areas.
‘The Gold Coast’s 235,000 ratepayers have paid $28 million over three years through a levy to buy bushland for conservation, but not one hectare of bush has been bought since 2012.
‘This was confirmed by Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate after Fairfax Media asked what land had been bought since 2012 using the Gold Coast’s $38 “open space levy” paid annually by each ratepayer.
‘Conservationist Lois Levy, AO, who has run Gold Coast conservation group GECKO, raised questions on Tuesday suggesting money was diverted to cover Commonwealth Games’ costs.’