Cr Ian Petersen.
Cr Ian Petersen.

Petersen claims support from community over levee opposition

GYMPIE planning and development councillor Ian Petersen says his opposition to a flood levee for Gympie CBD had made him an outcast among councillors.

Not that they matter.

"I don't represent them; I represent the people in the community," he said.

"I'm getting 10 to 15 phone calls a day saying how bloody ridiculous (the levee) is.

"That's down from 15 to 20," he said yesterday.

"I've never experienced a reaction from the community like this.

"They're talking $22.5 million, but it will blow out.

"People say it won't affect rates. They say it's in Reserve.

"What rubbish. It doesn't matter where it comes from, every dollar you spend has an effect on rates," he said.