Green Seat project moves ahead in Clarence Valley
By Tim Howard
The installation of two Green Seats in the Clarence Valley will proceed with QR codes linking to the Missing Matter website after Clarence Valley Council resolved to back the community-led initiative while also seeking clarification from the Australian Government about concerns raised over its National Missing Persons website.
The Green Seats, part of The Green Seat Project founded by missing persons advocate Sally Leydon, will be installed at Corcoran Park in Grafton and Flinders Park in Yamba. The seats are intended to raise awareness of long-term missing persons cases while providing information and support for affected families.
Council officers had recommended the seats carry QR codes linking to both the Missing Matter website and the Australian Government’s National Missing Persons webpage.
The report said the government website would provide access to a nationally recognised database and support services while reducing reliance on a single third-party source.
However, a deputation to councillors earlier in the week questioned the accuracy and completeness of information on the national website, prompting an extended debate at the June council meeting.
Cr Andrew Baker moved an amendment to retain both QR codes, saying the objective should be to spread awareness of missing persons as widely as possible.
“I was certainly of the view that the idea was to spread the matter of missing persons as far and wide as possible,” Cr Baker said.
He argued that if there were shortcomings with the national website, council should encourage the Australian Government to address them rather than remove the link.
Cr Peter Johnstone opposed the amendment, saying council should respect the wishes of the Green Seat Project organisers.
“It’s part of a campaign that’s been led by a particular group of people,” he said.
“We can always add things in the future, but I would suggest we go with what they want at the moment.”
Cr Debrah Novak said council had already committed to supporting the Green Seat Project and should not alter its purpose.
“The Green Seat Project has nothing to do with the Australian Missing Persons webpage,” she said.
“We’re supporting the Green Seat Project simply and solely.”
Cr Karen Toms supported the officer recommendation, saying council needed to consider its responsibility when spending ratepayers’ money.
“I personally feel that we should have the Australian Government National Missing Persons webpage link on there,” she said.
“If there are concerns about that website, then perhaps we should be writing to them and finding out why.”
Cr Greg Clancy agreed that any concerns about the government database should be taken up directly with the agency responsible.
“If there’s a problem with that website, let’s fix the website,” he said.
Cr Baker’s amendment was defeated 4-4, with Mayor Ray Smith using his casting vote against it.
Cr Johnstone then successfully proposed simplifying the motion so the Green Seats would feature a single QR code linking to the Missing Matter website.
Council also unanimously agreed to write to the Australian Government seeking clarification about the accuracy of information held on the National Missing Persons website following concerns raised during the public deputation.
The final motion was carried unanimously.
Cr Novak welcomed the outcome, thanking councillors for reaching what she described as a collaborative solution.
“I just want to thank everybody for the collaboration on this conversation and coming out with a win-win for this amazing project,” she said.
The Green Seats are intended to provide places for reflection while encouraging people to learn more about long-term missing persons cases and the ongoing impact they have on families and communities.
