Copper Coast Councils’ Director of Development Services, C Muller Mentz, oversees numerous projects at several Yorke Peninsula seaside towns and was the key council contact for a coastal sand drift report predicting a 30cm to 60cm sea level rise in South Australia from climate change.

Two weeks ago, Mentz posted on his LinkedIn account a YouTube video called “The Data Debunks the Climate Change Narrative”.

Three weeks ago Mentz posted a YouTube video called “The Great Renewable Energy Con Explained by Dr Benn Peiser” with a comment heading the link saying “how stupid are we… the disaster is picking up momentum with the closing of one of our major Power Stations (coal fired) in NSW”.

Copper Coast Council covers the seaside towns of Wallaroo, Port Hughes and Moonta and has been dealing with coastal drift and erosion,  joining forces with others in the region to tackle climate change.

In his LinkedIn profile, a professional network where individuals post their business precis, Mentz lists his current role as Director Development Services at Copper Coast Council for the past 11 years.

His role is described as being responsible for strategic planning, development assessment, building, representing the council in Environment Resources and Development court appeals matters, environmental health and for briefing council on planning, building, development and environmental health matters.

Mentz also lists former jobs including as principal planner at GHD engineering in Queensland and another as assistant chief town planner at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, for four years from 1998.

On his LinkedIn account, Mentz also shared a video linked to an account banned on Facebook and Twitter that claims the United States is responsible for the war in Ukraine, not Russia.

Another message posted on the account questions national diversity.

“I am a migrant. I would like to challenge the notion that diversity makes a natuon (sic) stronger. It creates division. Does China or Russia have cultural diversity? The Western World wants us to believe that diversity makes us stronger … is that teally (sic) the case? To me it seems that the “foreign” cultures are the ones that cause division. This is a sensitive topic but I would love to hear opinions on this,” he posted on LinkedIn seven months ago.

InDaily sent questions to Mentz, and asked Copper Coast chief executive officer Russell Peate if Mentz’s views reflected those of the council.

Mentz did not reply. Peate said Mentz’s views did not represent the council, an active partner of the 14 councils in the region that have developed the Northern and Yorke Climate Change Sector Agreement.

“Mr Mentz’s views are personal and do not represent the Copper Coast Council views. However, it is considered that Mr Mentz is entitled to his personal views,” Peate said.

“I am strongly supportive of diversity; especially diversity of opinion. We have a diverse council workforce that is community focused and committed.”

Peate distanced Mentz from any role in coastal protection, saying he as CEO oversaw all services including coastal protection and “the actual works associated with any coastal protection is the director, infrastructure services”.

The council’s strategic plan 2019-2029 said its climate change objective is “To be an active participant and partner with all stakeholders to reduce and manage the impacts of climate change” then listing: “Responsibility – Development Services”.

Peate said: “Mr Mentz is only involved in providing input and comment on any policy developed for consideration of council. The decision maker on any policy on climate change is the council,” he said.

“I have always valued Mr Mentz’s work ethic, integrity and professionalism as a qualified and experience planner. His personal views have not influenced his work responsibilities.”

Peate said the Copper Coast Council is a member of South Australia’s Local Government Association and accesses the Climate Change Resource Hub sharing information, data and case studies “that helps us to learn in a collaborative environment”.

“We have also participated in the Local Government Association’s Climate Commitment Action Plan 2021-2023,” Peate said.

“The Copper Coast Council is also an active member of the SA Coastal Council’s Alliance which also has focused on climate change actions.”

The Local Government Association said the council has been an active participant in its Climate Commitment Action Plan, building on efforts to support member councils to help mitigate climate change and its impacts.

“We look forward to ongoing engagement and collaboration with Copper Coast Council on how local government, as leaders in this space, can continue taking action to address the effects of climate change in our communities,” a spokesman said.