The Gawler Council has been challenged to become a more open, transparent and accountable Decision maker and to build trust with the community. Local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo has lodged a Freedom of Information request to obtain a copy of the ‘Jenson No. 2 Report’ that Council is determined to keep secret. It is understood that the Jensen No. 2 Report deals with issues of great importance to the communities living in Hillier, Kudla and Evanston South. Back in 2015, Council engaged the services of independent planning and development consultants Jensen Planning and Design to identify issues and make recommendations regarding the future character of Gawler’s southern rural areas. Mr Piccolo said Jensen produced two reports, one outlining the history, existing character of the area and feedback obtained from the community. “Importantly, the second report, as I understand it, outlines a number of possible scenarios for the development of the area,” Mr Piccolo said. “It is very difficult to know exactly what is in the report as Council has Decided on a number of occasions to keep it secret. “Residents and landowners in the areas of Kudla, Hillier and Evanston South have for many years tried to engage with Council to reach a common vision for the area. “Ensuring that the report which specifically addresses their issues is kept secret is hardly a proactive way of engaging with the community. “I would like to know why the Jensen No. 2 Report cannot be made public. There are no commercial in confidence or negotiations in progress, which the release may harm. “I acknowledge that sometimes government bodies do need to discuss things in confidence and keep documents confidential until negotiations are finalised. “This is not the case here and all they are doing is keeping residents in the dark and creating a sense of distrust for the affected residents. “I have been told that some of the councillors did not like some of the scenarios suggested as possible development options and do not want to discuss or canvas these ideas with residents. “The best way to progress and resolve the future character of the area is to have an open, transparent and informed debate about the issues involved. “I have asked the Council on a number of occasions to release the Jensen No. 2 Report but to no avail. “The Council has forced me to use the formal legal process by lodging the FOI request,” he said. If the Council refuses Mr Piccolo’s request, he has the option to lodge an appeal with the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT). Mr Piccolo said he sees this as a very important issue for the effected residents and that he would be prepared to refer the matter to SACAT for a determination.“The Decision is, in my opinion, contrary to the clear spirit and intention of the Freedom of Information laws and the new Community Engagement Charter that Councils should adhere to in relation to planning matters,” Mr Piccolo said. “We do not know why the report is being kept secret and we don’t know who is voting to keep the report secret. “It is somewhat ironic that a report paid by ratepayers cannot be read by the very same people. “Clearly there is scope for further legislative reform to make councillors more accountable for their Decisions,” he said.