Statement from Chief Executive Officer Brett Davis

Published on 14 August 2022

Council is aware of statements made regarding business arrangements at the wharf in Port Fairy.

Council strongly refutes and rejects the accusations made about the conduct of our staff in this matter. All team members have worked solidly over the past week in an attempt to find a way forward allowable within the terms of the lease agreement.

The wharf building is under a Crown Land Lease, regulated by the Crown Land Act. It is not a standard commercial tenancy and any changes to the signed agreement must be signed off by the Victorian Government.

Since the businesses announced their proposed arrangements publicly without formal notification to Council, the team has been working around the clock to find a path forward that would allow the proposed business arrangement to proceed.

This involved lengthy discussions with the Department of Land Water and Planning and both businesses as well as seeking independently verified legal advice.

On Friday this way forward was presented.

Council has since been informed the option presented may not be satisfactory to the leaseholder, however it meets the requirements set out under the Crown Land Lease that has been signed by the tenant.

Our staff will continue working with all parties involved to ensure a solution that meets requirements under the Crown Land Lease.

Council requests that people respect other people's views and beliefs and consider your impact on others when making your contribution. We welcome debate and dissent, but personal attacks on any individual will not be tolerated.