Suspended Townsville Mayor Troy Thompson created Change.org petition to dissolve council

Suspended Townsville mayor Troy Thompson has created and formally lodged a petition to dismiss Townsville City Council, saying the city needs a “proper restart”. WHAT HE’S PUSHING FOR.

Suspended Townsville mayor Troy Thompson has created and formally lodged a petition to dismiss Townsville City Council's €, saying the city needs a proper restarts€

Suspended Townsville mayor Troy Thompson has formally lodged a petition to “dismiss Townsville City Council”, saying the city needs a “proper restart”.

The petition, created on May 15, has garnered over 300 signatures on the Change.org website.

Mr Thompson advised signatures will also be gathered in person over the next four weeks by volunteers, with a hard copy to be submitted to the Queensland Government by June 20.

Evan Morgan. Best pictures for 2024. Embattled Townsville mayor Troy Thompson has returned to work as media ordered from meeting. Picture: Evan Morgan

In a letter to the clerk of the parliament Neil Laurie, posted to Mr Thompson’s Facebook page, he states as the “suspended democratically elected mayor of Townsville” he has an obligation to the people of the city.

He says he has “enough evidence” to demonstrate to Local Government Minister Ann Leahy that she should dismiss the current council under Section 123 and 124 of the Local Government Act 2009.

Suspended Mayor Troy Thompson has created a petition in a bid to "Dismiss Townsville City Council".

That includes the “breaching of five key principles” including transparent and effective processes and decision making in the public interest, as well as ethical and legal behaviour of councillors.

Saying “time is critical” in ensuring the current council does not impose “further losses” and cuts to community funding, Mr Thompson outlined in his petition that Townsville has been suffering for too long and urged locals to get on board.

“Townsville has long been plagued by inadequate maintenance, deteriorating assets and infrastructure, and poor fiscal management,” the petition says.

“It is imperative that we take proactive measures towards restoring Townsville to its former glory.”

“Your voice is crucial in this matter.”

Aiming to collect over 10,000 signatures the petition states those signing are expressing a loss of confidence in the Townsville City Council, saying they have failed to act with integrity and fairness and that “community’s trust in local representation has been significantly undermined.”

Townsville City Council Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney.

Several supporters have commented on the petition with one stating the council is in “absolute chaos”.

Mr Thompson has been suspended from the role of Mayor of Townsville since November 21 last year on his full $225,000 salary.

He is currently waiting on the findings from a Crime and Corruption Commission investigation into allegations that he lied about his military history and university qualifications.

No action has been taken thus far.

Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney said the Townsville City Council’s ability to govern and deliver for the city is “strong”.

“I look forward to continuing to work with councillors for our community to grow Townsville,” she said.

Originally published as Suspended Townsville Mayor Troy Thompson created Change.org petition to dissolve council