The future of the Myola plan is in disarray after revelations the State Government has ordered Mareeba Mayor Mick Borzi be investigated over his property interests in the area.

Cr Borzi faces fines of up to $15,000 if it is found he would have profited from a recent Mareeba Shire Council decision to pass amendments to the Myola Planning Scheme.

Local Government and Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said Cr Borzi’s recent admission he owned land within the scheme meant it was possible the decision could be overturned.

“The Minister has powers to overturn any council decision,’’ Mr Pitt said. The Minister has written to the council’s chief executive officer recommending that the matter be reviewed.

“If it becomes clear that the Mayor has voted on an issue he clearly should not have then revoking of the council’s resolution is a real option.’’

Last week, Cr Borzi conceded he had a 5ha land holding within the planning scheme but until that time had been unaware his property fell within its boundaries.

Cr Borzi said he had nothing to gain by the amendments, which are yet to be approved by the State Government, as they meant his block could no longer be subdivided as they could under the previous scheme.

Mr Pitt said the matter was referred to the shire’s chief executive who was formally obliged to investigate the matter through a “Conduct Review Matter’’.

“Ignorance is no excuse, particularly if the matter falls under a ‘material personal interest’,’’ he said.

Cr Borzi is facing fines of between $6375 to $15,000 if it is proven he had a “material personal interest” in not declaring to council his land holding, which is on his register of interests, within the Myola Planning Scheme.

Local Government laws indicate Cr Borzi should have declared himself of having a personal interest and excluded himself from discussing the plan and have had nothing to do with the decision making process.

Mr Pitt said there were two types of personal interests.

“If it is alleged that Cr Borzi stood to receive a personal gain from his decision of council then it is considered a material personal interest.

“However, if Cr Borzi had nothing to gain personally, it could still be considered a conflict of interest and he should have declared the interest at the meeting. Failure to do so should be addressed via a Code of Conduct review.’’