China 'junket' called off

Source: Wangaratta Chronicle - 05.09.08

Earthquake recovery forces council to postpone trip

Written by PHILIP NOLAN.

THE Rural City of Wangaratta’s planned trip to China is off.

The trip, labelled a "junket" by one councillor, has been called off at the suggestion of the Wuzhong District in the Chinese province of Suzhou, who were to host the trip.

City chief executive officer, Doug Sharp, said that the hosts had suggested the visit be postponed "because of a number of hosting difficulties, which include China’s commitment to the recovery process following recent devastating earthquakes".

"Our understanding is that all of the provinces have been asked to donate funds towards the earthquake recovery program, which is understandable.

"Given that the Wuzhong District were basically going to meet all of the costs of the Wangaratta delegation, plus providing hosting support, we felt it would be inappropriate to go at this stage.

"We have contacted our hosts and advised them of our decision, expressing the view the trip would be postponed to a later date, or that we would be happy to host a Chinese delegation here in Wangaratta," he said.

Mr Sharp said the Wangaratta message would still be strongly represented, as a private delegation of local citizens would still be making the trip and they have agreed to take and present promotional material.

City mayor Roberto Paino, who along with his wife Meg and Mr Sharp, were to represent Wangaratta on the trip, said that despite the postponement, the city’s commitment to the formal Friendship City Relation developed back in 2002 remained strong.

"The relationship developed between the rural city and the Wuzhong District is very strong. There have been a number of exchange visits between delegates in recent years and from these visits, we have developed excellent economic and education outcomes.

"While we were keen to promote our region and to pursue investment opportunities in person, we respect the latest advice of timing difficulties for the host government.

"We look forward to future exchanges," Cr Paino said.

The value of the trip was questioned by Cr Rozi Parisotto at the August council meeting.

Commenting on the council decision to again support the trip, she said she considered it a "waste of time".

"No wonder the community talk about it being a junket," she said.