Ritz Discussions Continue

Monday, 28 November 2005

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council General Manager, Bernard Smith, today confirmed that discussions were continuing regarding finalising the acquisition of the Ritz properties.

The General Manager advised that, "Council remains committed to the right outcome for all parties.  The first two properties to be discussed in detail have been successfully settled." 

Responding to the claims of the lawyer acting for the owners, the General Manager stated that in fact only five properties in total have been discussed and of these, two have reached agreement, noting that with regard to the property owned by Mr Bob Jordan, discussions had not even yet commenced.

"Council has a responsibility to keep the legal fees of all the parties as low as possible.  Council has no interest whatsoever in running up large legal fees for either party through unnecessarily frustrating the negotiation process and talking up the possibility of going to Court.

"Council understands the owners want a fair and reasonable outcome and Council is committed to that.  I have not doubt that can be achieved through negotiations undertaken with good will and intent," continued Bernard Smith, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council General Manager.