Inspectors have been called in to have a look into transparency in Victoria’s Latrobe City Council tender process.

Concerns have been raised recently about alleged ineptitude and possible illicit deals surrounding the Moe Activity Centre Plan and the Moe Railway Precinct Revitalisation projects.

Council chief executive Paul Buckley has written to the Victorian Local Government Inspectorate to bring in the professional sleuths after both projects were marred by delays.

Reports say the audit by officers of the Inspectorate found no breaches of the Local Government Act, but it has questioned the transparency of the process itself, suggesting it could be considerably improved.

The audit report said the Latrobe City Council did not provide evidence it had investigated the backgrounds of organisations that were later awarded major contracts. Speculators say that if the Council does not need to ensure they are fit for the job, they are either taking a huge gamble or know something that is not then included in official reports.

The auditors also found unsuccessful tenders should have been provided with information about which company won the contract.