Their April 30 meeting, identified in a government department investigation report tabled at the meeting, took place at Cr Peter Hulin’s residence during a social function also attended by councillors Brian Kelson and Peter Sycopoulis.

The Age had earlier been leaked a confidential council report detailing proposed expansion of the Midfield Group at its Warrnambool abattoir operation and dealings with  then premier Denis Napthine.

All councillors and senior officers who were at the February 10 confidential meeting, signed statutory declarations and were questioned by two officers with the Local Government Investigations and Compliance Inspectorate.

The inspectorate report aired last night said “matters relating to council business” were discussed during the April chat between The Age reporter Ben Schneiders and councillors Hulin, Kelson and Sycopoulis. All three last night vehemently denied any involvement in leaking the confidential document.

Cr Peter Hulin explained he had received a phone call from Mr Schneiders, who said he was in possession of the document and was coming to Warrnambool for a May Racing Carnival function attended by Dr Napthine.

Mr Schneiders asked to meet with Cr Hulin, the meeting heard.

“I guess why they wanted to talk with me is they might get the truth,” Cr Hulin said.

“Councillors Sycopoulis and Kelson just happened to be there.”

Cr Hulin described the conversation as “interesting”, but said the issues discussed were private.

Cr Sycopoulis produced a statement from Mr Schneiders and fellow Age reporter Royce Millar saying the newspaper had the “pertinent documents” before the discussions at Cr Hulin’s home.

He also produced evidence of signed statutory declarations and a letter to former local government minister Tim Bull requesting a full investigation into the leak.

“It proves beyond doubt the three of us didn’t do it,” Cr Sycopoulis said.

“It was barely only a few hours after the meeting with Mr Schneiders that The Age story went to press.

“So you can deduct it wasn’t us who leaked it.”

Cr Kelson slammed The Standard’s coverage of the issue describing it as sensationalist reporting attempting to shame three duly-elected councillors.

Mayor Michael Neoh said it was the third leak of confidential information in recent years and created distrust within the council team.

“It’s unacceptable behaviour,” he said.

Councillors Kylie Gaston and Jacinta Ermacora echoed the mayor’s views saying trust and confidence in confidentially had been eroded.

The council decided 4-3 to send a copy of the inspectorate’s report to Dr Napthine and Local Government Minister Natalie Hutchins.

Recommended tightening of media policies for councillor and staff will be discussed in committee and a facilitator will be engaged to improve relationships.