Douglas asked to show cause: Fraser

February 7 2007

Douglas asked to show cause: Fraser

North Queensland’s Douglas Shire Council has today been requested to Show Cause as to why it should not be dissolved.

Local Government and Planning Minister Andrew Fraser said the Show Cause Notice had been issued to the Douglas Shire Mayor and CEO in Mossman this morning and gave the council 14 days to provide a response.

Mr Fraser, who met with the Mayor and Councillors in their chambers last Friday, said after closely studying a report and supplementary report into the Douglas Shire prepared by an independent advisor, the course of action taken today was the most appropriate to deal with the long-running issues confronting the council.

“This is a council that has in place a planning scheme that won national recognition last year and it also maintains a very sound financial base,” Mr Fraser said.

“On the other hand, the ability of its elected representatives to work together is so compromised by hostility that the Council’s continuing effectiveness has been placed at risk.

“This is a council that through two separate investigations since last August has been revealed to be frequently incapable of working in a cohesive and cooperative environment.

“It’s a council whose elected representatives frequently descend into dysfunction – even childish behaviour – in their meetings, both public and private.

“Divisions within the council run so deep that they have reached down and infected the proper functioning of the Council staff.

“The interaction between Council as a whole and its Chief Executive Officer is one of great concern.

“I stress that this is not a decision I make lightly.

“But it is a decision that must be made in the interests of strong and accountable and responsible local government.

“The people of the region – for that matter the people of any region who cast their votes and elect councils – deserve nothing less.”

Media Contact Chris Taylor 0419 710 874