It was revealed this week that Singleton Shire Council spent $449,099 defending its position after Ms Charlton took legal action against the council in February this year.

But it was an additional amount, not included in this legal cost, that was paid to Ms Charlton.

Discussing the matter in open council on Monday night, council’s executive manager strategy and governance Henry Wilson said the figure could not be disclosed.

“I can’t divulge anything in relation to the matter all I can say is the settlement was fair and reasonable and in the best interests of council,” Mr Wilson said.

The answer caused great frustration among councilors who wanted details of the Land and Environment Court matter disclosed.

Cr Harvison asked whether the $449,099 costs included all of council’s bills regarding the Land and Environment Court.

Cr Tony McNamara was equally frustrated and said he expected an answer.

“It (the court costs) was estimated at $350,000 and it becomes $450,000, we settled on the steps and we didn’t even go in (to court),” Cr McNamara said questioning the increase in costs.

“We overblew the estimate by $100,000 and not one councillor in this room and the public will ever know the undisclosed amount and why weren’t we informed of the total costs,” he said.

However Mr Wilson said it wasn’t for him to divulge.

During the out-of-court settlement, both parties agreed details of the settlement would be kept confidential.

However the Local Government Act requires council to disclose any legal costs it has incurred in its annual report.

That report is due to be made public mid November.