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The Corruption and Crime Commission's investigation into the Busselton Shire Council is about to be made public.

Yesterday the CCC announced it would hold a public hearing next month to investigate any possible misconduct regarding an application by Canal rocks Pty Ltd to develop land at Smiths Beach.

At a council meeting on December 14 last year. Crs John Triplett and Anne Ryan declared an impartial interest in the Loc 413 development for Smiths Beach.

Both said at the meeting that they were supported during last year's local government election by a group named the Independent Action Group.

Just who makes up the group is a mystery.

The CCC will not say exactly who, on council or otherwise, is being investigated.

Smiths Beach Action Group chair Bob McKay said he was pleased to hear the information would be made public.

"Noone's got anything to hide if they haven't done anything wrong," he said.

"We'd like to know who the Independent Action Group is and why they would give money to council candidates.

"What was their interest in funding the campaign of those individuals?

"We will certainly be following the investigation with great interest."

Shire president Kevin Douglas said he was also pleased that the investigation was starting to come to an end.

"It's been hanging around for a long time. In the mean time council will continue to function as normal," he said.

The CCC hearing will be held at 186 St George's Terrace, Perth, on Monday, October 23, from 10am.

© Copyright 2006 by Rural Press Ltd. This report is for information only. No charge for such use is made and the material is not being used for commercial purposes. The text has not been modified from the original report.

Related News Reports:

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Councillors should step down: Smiths Beach Action Group

Payments to council candidates probed

Councillors declare interest in Smiths Beach

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