An internal review of the fig tree fiasco had been requested by Cr Shayne Connell to "identify areas for improvement in the process council adopts to manage key issues".

But the council's general manager Phil Pearce said in a report that a meaningful and credible review would have to be conducted by an independent expert.

Mr Pearce estimated that hiring a consultant would cost between $10,000 and $20,000.

Cr Connell said he initially lodged a motion requesting a low-cost internal review conducted in-house by Mr Pearce and a newly appointed staff member with responsibility for "major issues".

He said he did not want to "throw good money after bad", but believed the review was necessary to ensure the Laman Street situation did not occur again.

"I'll be urging the [general manager] to find a way it can be done as cheaply as possible," he said.

In his report, Mr Pearce said staff endorsed the process, despite the council having no money set aside in its operational budget for such a review.

"Council staff support this notice of motion in view of the significant nature of the matter and the need to continually improve all aspects of council's operations," Mr Pearce wrote.

"Such a review, to be meaningful and have credibility, would need to be conducted by an independent external consultant," Mr Pearce said.

Cr Brad Luke said he could tell the council where it went wrong for $65.

"All we need to do is spend $5 each on 13 mirrors and hand them out to councillors," he said.

Fee Mozeley from Save Our Figs said yesterday she was frustrated that the council would again be discussing the topic on Tuesday.

Several councillors have signed a rescission motion to stop an independent assessment process, after the council received legal advice that said the council's vote to conduct an independent assessment was unlawful.

"This is just another example of where council has taken an opinion and elevated it to the status of truth," Ms Mozeley said.