Not many people will be directly impacted by the closure of investLogan.
However, the decision made over the past fortnight by Logan City Council to close the doors of its wholly-owned “independent” developoment entity holds considerable significance on the mechanics of how our council manages its business.
The truth of the matter is that investLogan should have been closed six years ago.
It was set up to manage the development of a tourism precinct at Loganholme.
When that decision was kyboshed by plans for a major road arterial, so should the board appointed to manage it.
But it was a marriage of convenience. Rather than accept responsibility for the risk associated with development ventures, we – the city – will appoint a board to wear the climbs and falls which come with big business.
If the board succeeds, council takes the glory as its advisory body.
If the board fails, council sacks the board as an example of incompetence.
As fate would have it, investLogan has seen success.
But without clear direction from council, it’s always been flying by the seat of its pants – not a great governance strategy.
Instead of throwing out the development experts, perhaps council could have considered providing the clear direction the board needed in the first place.
