Seven day notice given regarding Johnstone Shire Council: Fraser

Local Government Minister Andrew Fraser today formally gave notice that he intends to take action on the Show Cause Notice issued to the Johnstone Shire Council in seven days time.

Mr Fraser said Legal action commenced by two Johnstone Shire Councillors to stop the Show Cause Notice process required him to formally give notice of his intention to make a decision.

Mr Fraser today met with the Johnstone Shire Council in Cairns.

“This is a most serious matter and it is vital that I had the opportunity to discuss these matters directly with Councillors and the Mayor,” he said.

“Before I can move to formally make a decision I am required by the court to give notice of my intention to formally begin deliberating on the Show Cause Notice.

“As the incoming Minister I was briefed on the status of the investigation into Johnstone Shire Council.

“Now that I have had the opportunity to discuss with council their response to the Show Cause Notice I believe I must now prepare to make my decision.

“I need to enable myself to receive and deliberate upon the recommendations of the Department. The legal action by the two Councillors has prevented this from occurring to date.

“I must emphasis that this step is not a normal step in a Show Cause process.

“It is only required because of the legal action against the Show Cause Notice taken by two Councillors at the Johnstone Shire.

“It is my view that this matter is to be resolved and I have therefore formally issued notice.

“In practical terms this means that after the seven day period, the Director General will provide me with the formal recommendations of the Department and I must then consider those recommendations and make my decision.

“Depending on what is formally submitted to me in seven days time, I expect to make my decision soon after receiving the report.”

Mr Fraser said he felt heavily obliged to make a decision in the best interests of the community.

“All communities deserve a local government capable of providing effective local services and governance.

“The task for Johnstone Shire Council is all the more important given the rebuilding required because of Cyclone Larry.”

Media Contact: Chris Taylor 3227 8825 or 0419 710 874
October 6 2006