Townsville leaders want stability as Mayor Troy Thompson’s CCC investigation continues
A well-respected former Townsville mayor says city councillors “need to find their voice” amid growing concerns the city’s progress has stalled while a cloud hangs over its new controversial leader.
Townsville
Don't miss out on the headlines from Townsville. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A well-respected former Townsville mayor says city councillors “need to find their voice” amid concerns the city’s progress has stalled while a cloud hangs over its new controversial leader.
Townsville mayor Troy Thompson made a surprise return to work on Wednesday after a month off for “health reasons”, and it appeared business as usual from many of the councillors.
Mr Thompson is the subject of a Crime and Corruption Commission investigation after he admitted to misleading voters about his army, business and university qualifications.
Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto said this week the region was “in limbo” with investors shying away from an unstable city and leader.
Townsville Chamber of Commerce CEO Heidi Turner echoed concerns about the city progressing while a cloud hung over Walker Street.
“Due process is being followed with the CCC investigating Mayor Thompson,” Ms Turner said.
“We are concerned that as time drags on, the uncertainty is taking attention away from productive discussions within and about our region.
“We are eager for the current situation to be resolved transparently and in accordance with the law.”
Townsville Enterprise chairman Kevin Gill agreed.
“Timely completion of the CCC review is crucial and a decision is made one way or another ensuring stability in Townsville,” Mr Gill said.
“Certainty is essential for our city; it is imperative everyone works together, pulling in one direction, to secure the future of Townsville North Queensland.”
Former mayor Tony Mooney, whose son Liam is current Division 9 councillor, says the goings-on in Walker Street is still the talk of the city.
“I can’t go anywhere at the moment, supermarkets, coffee shops, restaurants, out with family without someone stopping me and talking to me about it,” he said.
While he refrained from detailing his full opinion about the current saga — “I’m focused on my role as the chair of the health service and I’m working really hard there” — it can be difficult not to get pulled into the discussion.
“You’d be amazed how many (comments), I’ve seriously lost count of the number of phone calls and people stopping me,” Mr Mooney said.
“(Liam) doesn’t want me looking and he doesn’t really need me to be looking over his shoulder, he’s got to find his own way there and I’m sure that he will but they all need to find their voice and talk up.”
More Coverage
Originally published as Townsville leaders want stability as Mayor Troy Thompson’s CCC investigation continues
Power out: Crash at Bohle Plains leads to outage
A power outage has been reported at Bohle Plains after a car crashed into a power pole.
27k workers needed: Townsville recruitment campaign kicks off
A new campaign has kicked off to recruit 27,000 skilled workers to Townsville over the next five years to help deliver a $34bn pipeline of projects. Watch the video.