Councillors hold silence over Rex airline debacle

The Daily Liberal yesterday spoke to eight of the 11 Dubbo City councillors on their views on the controversial security screening costs passed on to QantasLink and Rex.

Each was asked whether they thought the council had strong legal backing in the event of a court case and what action should be taken if ratepayers were to foot the hefty legal bill.

Mayor Mathew Dickerson said it was a "ridiculous question" and the council would wait to see before it acted.

"It's a nothing story, until we get court documents or we go to the ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission)," he said.

"We've made a decision to charge a fair and equitable fee for all travellers- end of discussion."

Cr Greg Matthews directed the Daily Liberal to speak to the "council's spokesman - the mayor".

"I'm not going to comment on the leak of confidential documents," he said.

"It's all heaps of hot air and misinformation."

Cr Greg Mohr said Rex's threat to take the council to court was bluff as no court documents were presented.

"The council's solicitors told us, we're in a strong position to win if they choose to take us to court," he said.

Cr John Walkom said it was the mayor's responsibility to comment on the matter.

"We've agreed as a council that the mayor becomes our spokesperson," he said.

Cr Kevin Parker would not be drawn to comment on the battle with Rex and the council.

"I'll only comment when there's a consideration for a full council meeting and guided by information by the general manager and mayor Dickerson," he said.

Deputy mayor Ben Shields said residents have told him they wanted an efficient airport without paying a fortune.

Cr Shields believed it was morally and ethically right for the council to enforce security screening at the airport.

Cr Tina Reynolds and Cr Bill Kelly refused to comment.

The Daily Liberal did not receive responses from councillors Lyn Griffiths, Allan Smith and Rod Towney at the time of going to print.