APRIL 6, 2022 - DEFAMATION DISCONTINUED

DEFAMATION DISCONTINUED

A long-standing defamation proceeding initiated by Cassowary Coast Regional Councils ex CEO James Gott against Bingil Bay couple Paul and Julianne Toogood has come to an end.

An application seeking orders for Mr Gott to be granted leave to discontinue the proceeding was granted by Judge Lynham in Townsville’s District Court today. The application became necessary when Mr and Mrs Toogood did not consent to Mr Gott’s proposal to discontinue the proceeding.

In a recent statement to the community Cassowary Coast Regional Council (CCRC) Mayor Mark Nolan committed to providing additional updates regarding this matter and visibility of associated costs when appropriate.

“I am pleased to advise that the matter was heard today, with Judge Lynham granting leave to discontinue the proceeding.

Given today’s outcome, I would like to take this opportunity to provide further clarity to our community in relation to the associated costs.

The Queensland Audit Office’s (QAO) financial audit program progressively audits the financial statements of the CCRC. The QAO express an unmodified opinion when the entity prepares its financial statements in accordance with relevant legislative requirements and Australian accounting standards.

The CCRC has received unmodified audit opinions since 2008 and further to this have recently provided detailed chronological information regarding the defamation proceeding to the QAO. The QAO have confirmed no changes to its previously issued audit opinions are required.

In relation to the costs associated with the defamation matter including counter claim, I can confirm since the commencement of the case in 2017 until March 2022, the net cost to Council has been $232,820.”

“Council have been awarded considerable costs however at the time of this statement, Council have not received payment of any costs awarded.”

Councillor Nolan said with this matter now finalised by the Court, Council is turning its attention towards a stronger future with the soon to be released One Coast: Cassowary Coast  Community Scorecard.

“Council’s focus is to move forward with emphasis on the things that matter most to the 30,000 residents of the region. The community scorecard is just the beginning of a positive change and move toward a consistent message of community first moving forward.

 “Council will soon be asking the community to join the conversation. It’s our region and our future; so it’s time for everyone, everywhere on the Cassowary Coast to talk about what they want our future to be and where they want Council to focus its attentions.

“The scorecard results will be key to informing the development of Cassowary Coast Regional Council strategic documents as well as an opportunity for us to address and improve our service delivery and day to day interactions with the community.”

Information on the One Coast: Cassowary Coast Community Scorecard and how you can join the conversation, will be made available in the coming weeks.