WELL, that was quick: Last Tuesday a divided Melville council voted to spend up to $50,000 spruiking its support for the Barnett government’s highly contentious plan to connect Roe Highway to Fremantle Port via the Perth Freight Link.

Just three days later, residents were receiving rates notices which included a brochure extolling the benefits of the freight link.

Resident Rod Short, who has gathered signatures for an August 17 electors’ meeting — where locals can say what they think about the link — reckons it’s premature for the council to start the campaign before the meeting’s held.

Now the brochure’s out he reckons it was already lined up and ready to go — perhaps even printed — before councillors even voted for the plan.

“I don’t think it’s quite right and I think the CEO has to answer questions,” Mr Short told the Herald.

“Why’s he supporting state projects? I’m disappointed in the brochure.”

The Herald asked Dr Silcox about the timing of the brochure, noting “it seems awfully quick to have these designed, printed and distributed given the meeting was only last Tuesday”.

We didn’t hear back before deadline. Seems they’re not quick with everything.

by DAVID BELL