In a bomshell revelation, Councillor Jessica Jurd exposed Cessnock City Council’s alleged mishandling of a $10,000 grant awarded to the horror-comedy feature film Site Unseen, filmed in Lovedale and Wollombi. Jurd revealed that the grant had already been distributed, even though it was only set to be voted on at tonight’s council meeting, raising serious concerns about the council’s decision-making process.
Further revelations showed that the funding had been approved during the caretaker period—a time when councils in New South Wales are subject to restrictions to prevent significant or politically sensitive decisions in the lead-up to elections. Under normal circumstances, councils are restricted from entering into major financial commitments during this period. The NSW Office of Local Government mandates that councils should refrain from approving major policy changes, large contracts, or any decisions that would commit an incoming council to financial obligations.
However, in this case, the Director of Planning and Environment approved the grant, which raises questions about whether this was a routine decision or a breach of caretaker guidelines. Minor grants or pre-budgeted funds may still be approved during caretaker mode, but any politically sensitive or substantial financial decisions are typically deferred until after the caretaker period.
During tonight’s meeting, councilors ultimately voted in favor of the grant, but according to several insiders, they had little choice. Approving the grant post-facto was necessary to avoid a $10,000 budget shortfall in the tourism budget for the current term. Cr. King, who earlier criticized the process, was forced to withdraw his comments after suggesting that these actions could bring the council into disrepute by not acting honestly.
Tensions flared when former Mayor Jay Suvall raised a point of order, citing the council’s code of conduct, which prohibits unfavorable remarks about council staff or fellow councilors. Despite these conflicts, councilors voted to legitimize the grant, with many acknowledging they were left with no real alternative.
Under Cessnock City Council’s guidelines, all grants and sponsorships must undergo a rigorous approval process, including a formal vote by councilors. The premature release of the $10,000 grant before the vote sparked concerns about the adherence to these rules and the authority exercised by unelected officials.
The council’s Visitor Economy Grants and Sponsorship Program, designed to support local tourism projects, provided the grant to Site Unseen to promote the region as a film destination. However, Cr. Jurd’s revelations raise questions about the transparency and accountability of the council’s processes.
Tonight’s vote may have resolved the immediate issue, but it leaves behind a cloud of doubt over how council operates during critical periods like caretaker mode. Stay tuned for further developments.