Douglas Shire to remain in office after Show Cause: Fraser

March 8 2007

Douglas Shire to remain in office after Show Cause: Fraser

North Queensland’s Douglas Shire Council will remain in office subject to a range of initiatives and undertakings outlined by the Mayor and Councillors themselves.

Local Government and Planning Minister Andrew Fraser today accepted the Council’s response to a Show Cause Notice he issued on February 7, which he said showed the Shire’s elected representatives had chosen to put aside their past differences to work together and focus on strong local government into the future.

“As I have said before, this is a council that has been characterised by deep contrast,” Mr Fraser said.

“It is financially sound and has an enviable reputation for its widely admired planning initiatives.

“But it is also an organisation that has been plagued by debate that has descended to the precipice of debacle.”

However, Mr Fraser said the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and each of the Shire’s five Councillors had last week unanimously agreed upon a future course of action and signed a response to the Show Cause Notice.

He said the response included a detailed 22-point plan to rectify the current situation.

“The problem from the get-go has been that the level of animosity and disagreement among Councillors has been so deep that it jeopardised the Council’s ability to govern.

“But the response which has been provided to the government by the council – specifically the 22-point plan – shows an organisation that regrets the error of its ways and is focussed on moving forward.

“It represents a watershed in the recent turbulent history of the Council.

“On the basis of an examination of the Councillor’s undertakings, I have decided not to proceed with the dismissal of the Douglas Shire Council.”

Among the initiatives proposed by the council are plans to:

• Establish a Performance Management Panel for the Chief Executive Officer
• Establish standing committees on Finance and Administration, Corporate and Community Matters, Development and Environment and Engineering
• Review the Council’s Code of Conduct and report back to the State Government with an overview of the review within three months
• Develop an Ethics Policy to deal with allegations of improper behaviour by Councillors

“The response shows an acknowledgement of past disagreements and displays a willingness to put them aside with one clear goal – to work together for the good of the community.

“I trust that for the good of the area’s ratepayers the focus on working together can be maintained and the people of north Queensland can look forward to more professional representation at a local government level.

“I implore the Councillors – individually and collectively – to maintain the commitment they have made.”

Mr Fraser today tabled in the Parliament an analysis of the Douglas Shire’s response to the Show Cause along with a report on the Department’s investigation of matters surrounding the Council’s handling of the Beach Club application.

Media Contact Chris Taylor 3227 8825 or 0419 710 874