In a video shared to Facebook on Tuesday morning, shipwright Adam Auditori, owner of the PS Melbourne and operator of the Moama slipway, unloaded on the shire, accusing it of neglecting its own operations.
Mr Auditori claimed he’d been told by “some of the folk at Murray River Council” executives from Campaspe Shire had labelled his running of the PS Melbourne a “cowboy operation.”
He said his attempts to contact interim chief executive Craig Neimann to discuss his concerns were ignored, leading to his decision to go public with his allegations.
He proceeded to show viewers the hull of what he claims to be a council owned vessel, sticking a wrench into cracks between boards as he says “I’ll show you what a cowgirl operation looks like.”
Mr Auditori finished his rant by addressing the shire’s ratepayers.
“I tell you what, if Campaspe ratepayers are sick and tired of giving local government all this money to operate paddlesteamers, campaign your local councillor,” he said.
“Because I’m happy to pay you money to lease the Pevensey and give you a return.”
When asked about the video, Campaspe Shire said "There is a formal process for reporting any issues regarding Campaspe Shire Council, or Council assets; Council does not respond to comments made on social media.“
