AN INQUIRY into the saga of John Howard and his fight against radio towers near his Purnim farmland could be supported by Moyne Shire after councillors voted to seek advice.
Mr Howard, the council and Ace Radio, which owns the towers, were all engaged in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal last week to see who is responsible for limiting electrical interference at Mr Howard’s home, which he has since abandoned.
But at last week’s council meeting, councillors supported a motion put up by Cr Ralph Leutton to seek out advice on holding an inquiry into the long-running dispute.
“By asking our staff it allows us to make a sound decision about it…this is not to initiate an inquiry, it’s to see if we can have an inquiry,” he said.
Cr Leutton previously promised to support an inquiry at a ratepayers’ meeting during last year’s local government elections.
Cr James Purcell, who supported the move, said the saga warranted a parliamentary inquiry. “I’ve said on a number of occasions that we should have a parliamentary inquiry if that’s the way Mr Howard wants to go,” he said.
Cr Anthony Keane said he wanted to see the matter put to rest.
“I think it’s time for us as a council to get this resolved otherwise it’s going to go on forever,” he said.
All seven councillors supported the motion.
Mr Howard remained tightlipped when contacted by The Standard but welcomed the move.
“It’s a start,” he said.