Cr Susan Chau put forward a motion that Forbes Shire Council host a public meeting to address community concerns about council’s decision to lease the December music festival for three years.

“I think there’s an issue, everyone is aware of it but not talking about it, and it’s creating angst,” she said.

“(The community) have elected us to be transparent and accountable for the decisions that we make.”

Cr Steve Karaitiana seconded the motion, saying he wanted council to hold a public meeting to hear the community’s concerns about Vanfest “months ago”.

“I am getting phone calls, people in the street (talking about the Vanfest lease),” he said.

Cr Phyllis Miller spoke against holding a public meeting, saying Council would put out a public document on the matter that would be accessible to everyone.

“It should be in writing,” she said.

Cr Chau said media releases had been issued on Council’s Vanfest lease before and she didn’t think “a report would cut it”.

Mayor Graeme Miller called for a show of hands for and against the motion, said two councillors had not voted and asked again.

The motion was defeated four votes to three.

Cr Grant Clifton, who was one of the founders of Vanfest, left the room during the discussion and was absent during voting.

Related: Few answers on Vanfest