Councillor Mike Neville’s attack on Paul Pierotti was sparked by an article in The Area News last Friday in which Mr Pierotti called for services to be cut back at council’s community facilities.

At Tuesday’s council meeting, Cr Neville said Mr Pierotti’s comments had impacted on staff and were improper coming from someone who had interests in competitive businesses around town.

Mr Pierotti recently purchased the Gateway Centre on Willandra Avenue, where a gym has been approved.

One of the facilities his criticism focused on was the gym at the aquatic centre.

“I am sick and tired of council being bagged by individuals purporting to represent businesses in the community,” Cr Neville said.

“I have not seen from him any recognition or encouragement to use the facilities that are available at minimal cost and that bring people (from surrounding areas) into the town.

“The business chamber did not make a submission to our draft budget when it was on display and, despite their huff and puff, they did not put anyone forward at the election. They need to put up or shut up.” 

Cr Neville went on to say a loss of facilities would mean a loss of valuable staff as well as the lifestyle the city was able to offer its residents.

The Area News became embroiled in the debate as councillors criticised the article for a “lack of balance”.

“We do live in a democracy so people are entitled to put their point of view across,” Cr Paul Rossetto said.

“However, I believe the article should have been balanced out with a response from councillors.”

The story, entitled Cash Splash quoted Mr Pierotti, mayor John Dal Broi and former councillor Peter Taylor.

Cr Dal Broi had agreed there was a need to benchmark services while Mr Taylor defended the city’s right to community facilities, even if they were forced to run at a loss.

General manager Brett Stonestreet accepted the article had been factual but was frustrated by the kicker, or secondary headline, which referred to council facing a “fiscal train wreck”.

“That is not a reflection of the truth,” Mr Stonestreet said.

“T-Corp (NSW Treasury Corporation) has identified council in the top 23 per cent of the state for financial stability.”

Cr Dal Broi said Mr Pierotti “should not be picking on council staff” but conceded he didn’t know what could be done to stop the chamber boss making negative comments about council.