He asked who was to be believed; the developer or the protestors? He didn't know the answer, but now the council has the chance to debate it. In any event, the coming open days and public meetings at Moruya will decide if any deliberation by us is relevant.

Cr Sturgiss then moved that the General Manager's recommendation be adopted.

Cr Hassall said that there was no urgency in making the decision and chastised the General Manager and Mayor for agreeing to the action before the matter was considered by council, adding that the council was now bound to that decision.

He was, however, in favour and seconded the motion.

He said it was a good development for the Shire with $15 million expenditure and 60 jobs. However he felt it unlikely that the development would happen.

Cr Waters said he was in no position to say whether there are any benefits. Certainly there are many contrary arguments. We need reliable unbiased information. This should be seen as a fact finding exercise.

He added that, like Cr Hassall, he was concerned that a decision had been made before it came to council, but unlike Cr Hassall was no in favour of the motion.

He presumed letters had been written and asked whether the councillors could see them.

Mr Stewart replied that the communications had been verbal.

Cr Waters said he must assume therefore the council had made no commitment.

Cr Collard felt it was worth pursuing a fact finding exercise, adding that we need to know whether the technology is appropriate. Cr Harrex was also concerned that the negotiation had been started without reference to council, adding that the council needed time to consider submissions from all interested parties before committing itself to a decision.

He felt they could be bringing a pariah into the shire.

Cr Cassillis expressed support for the Mayor. He said people knew that the matter must come before council and now it's being properly discussed.