Cassowary Coast Division 1 councillor Peter Reed resigns four months into term
The sudden resignation of a Far North Queensland councillor has not deterred his community, which remains focused on its number one priority.
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Southern Cassowary Coast residents say the setback in political representation by the sudden resignation of their local councillor won’t deter them from advocating for their region’s major priority.
Cassowary Coast Division 1 councillor Peter Reed’s departure was announced on the local government’s Facebook page on Monday, about four months into the current four-year council term.
In his statement, Mr Reed referred to “illness in the family alongside emerging professional commitments” as his reasons for resignation.
“As a councillor it’s important to be able to fully represent the community, and I regret that my personal situation has not allowed for me to dedicate the time needed to continue,” Mr Reed said.
How the vacancy is resolved will be voted at the next ordinary council meeting on July 25, with councillors set to decide between a by-election or by offering the role to runner up from this year’s election – Chris Littlemore.
Mr Littlemore was the only challenger to Mr Reed, amassing 46.06 per cent of the Division 1 vote.
In the heart of Division 1, former Cardwell Chamber of Commerce president and current owner of clothing store Ob la di Robyn Smith said it was evident the commitment required for the role caused difficulties for Mr Reed, who has professional interests in agriculture.
“When a councillor gets elected, they need to commit to their region; Peter just seemed very busy,” Ms Smith said.
“I spoke to him a lot, and reminded him ‘you need to show your face out here’.
“I think good on him for making a decision and vacating because residents deserve representation.”
Ms Smith said prior to the election locals had strongly advocated the dredging of One Mile Creek as Cardwell’s key priority and it would remain atop their list.
The channel which runs through the financially plagued Port Hinchinbrook marina is in need of desperate clearing with years of silt preventing all-tide access for boaties including marine tourism operators, recreational fishers and emergency services.
While the Federal Government had committed $1.5m towards a full dredge of the creek, Ms Smith said red tape around permits and approvals had stalled progress, and instead, the council in March had resolved for a smaller 1000-tonne “emergency dredge,” pending Commonwealth approval.
“Their goal was to have that happening by August. Port Hinchinbrook and that marina is the main driver for this town, if we get that, we get our marine industry back.”
Mr Reed was contacted for further comment.
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Originally published as Cassowary Coast Division 1 councillor Peter Reed resigns four months into term
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