The Eurobodalla Shire Council meeting broke down on Tuesday when the issue of conflict of interest was raised. The item on the agenda related to a parcel of land that is the subject of development by a company that was a major donor to the Eurobodalla First Party at the last election.

The Vice President of Coastwatchers, Mark Fleming said. "It is quite clear that some of the Councillors do not understand their obligations under the new State Government Policy on Conflict of Interest".

He continued, "The policy states clearly that if a reasonable person would suspect that there is a conflict or pecuniary interest then the Councillor must declare the interest and decide if they should take further part in the discussion".

"On Tuesday a Councillor actually admitted an interest and then stated that he intended to vote on the matter even though he had received a substantial donation from a developer involved with the parcel of land under discussion".

Mark Fleming said. "Earlier in the meeting Councillor Kowal had declared an interest in an item on the agenda and left the room only to be derided by some of his fellow Councillors."

He continued. "It appears that they do not take this matter seriously and has left the Coastwatchers Association with no other option than to write to the Department of Local Government outlining our concerns on this matter."

Mark Fleming (Vice President)