Late last year, an initial application for a controversial Telstra telecommunications phone tower in Eureka Street was quashed after three coun-

cillors walked out of the chamber due to conflicts of interest. The conflicts arise due to the real estate agency Cr Sam McIntosh works for selling a property in the area. Also, councillors Glen Crompton and John Philips own Telstra shares exceeding a certain threshold.

Cr Vicki Coltman, who was on sick leave at the end of last year, also informed the council she has a “conflict of interest of a similar nature”.

Former councillor Joshua Morris was also a leave of absence due to his decision to enter into state politics.

The extraordinary predicament meant the item could not be voted on due to the lack of a quorum.

At the council meeting on Wednesday night, councillors all voted in favour of requesting Local Government Minister Natalie Hutchins provide three councillors with conflict of interests exemptions.

According to council’s chief information officer Annie De Jong, as it stands, state government intervention is the only solution.

“At this point in time we are unable to consider the matter whether the council want to or not,” she said. 

It is my understanding that ministerial exemption of the three councillors who have a conflict due to their Telstra shares would be the only way a resolution could be met.”

She said if Ballarat’s newest councillor, set to be elected on Monday, did not have a conflict of interest, they could provide the deciding vote.

“If the new councillor doesn’t have a conflict of interest and is happy to vote on the matter, we would bring the matter back to council chamber at the next council meeting. One of the resolutions would be to revoke the ministerial exception request, and if the newly elected councillor was happy to vote on the matter they could step in.”

To date, 30 submissions have been received opposing the construction of the 36-metre tower at 328 Eureka Street.

A Victorian Electoral Commission countback will be held at the Town Hall on Monday at 11am. Jim Rinaldi is considered the favourite to fill the vacant position.

melissa.cunningham@fairfaxmedia.com.au