Johnstone Shire Council dismissed, administrator appointed: Fraser

February 8, 2007

Johnstone Shire Council dismissed, administrator appointed: Fraser

The Queensland Parliament has today voted to dismiss the Innisfail-based Johnstone Shire Council.

Local Government and Planning Minister Andrew Fraser announced the dismissal this afternoon, appointing an administrator to oversee the operations of the council until the next local government elections in March 2008.

Mr Fraser said while he was confident the new administrator – stalwart local government figure Graham Webb – would restore stability and public confidence in the council, today was the culmination of a sad chapter for the people of the shire.

He said the dismissal of the council – which has been at the centre of highly public allegations of in-fighting and bullying as well as a long and protracted legal battle to stave off dismissal – was clearly unable to achieve the dramatic turn-a-round it required to become sustainable.

“This is not a decision I have taken lightly or indeed taken any pleasure in however the situation within the Johnstone Shire Council simply cannot be allowed to continue,” Mr Fraser said.

“It’s true that since being placed on ‘notice’ in August last year, the council has shown slight improvement but the unsavoury atmosphere that has pervaded its every day affairs has continued at the cost of good and effective decision making.

“The council has underlying financial problems and this has been magnified by its inability to effectively govern and make decisions which are in the best interests of the shire’s ratepayers.”

Mr Fraser said former Burdekin Shire Chief Executive Officer Graham Webb had been appointed as the shire’s Administrator.

“Mr Webb has 26 years of experience in local government, including 13 years as the CEO of Burdekin Shire,” he said.

“He will fulfil all the functions of an elected council and will be responsible for representing the community’s interests, setting council’s strategic direction, monitoring the performance of senior management, preparing budgets, approving development applications and similar tasks.

“The general operations of the council will continue under the guidance of the Chief Executive Officer and I assure residents this decision will ensure the delivery of council services and facilities is maintained.

“Mr Webb will provide regular progress reports to the State Government and the situation will be reviewed quarterly.

“A new election will be held during the next scheduled local government elections in March 2008.”

Johnstone Shire residents seeking further information can contact the Department of Local Government on freecall 1800 249 566 or email johnstone@dlgpsr.qld.gov.au.

Media contact Chris Taylor 3227 8825 or 0419 710 874