Bruce Devereaux, Gympie councillors speak on shock CEO exit

The sudden departure of CEO Shane Gray less than two years into his tenure has caused a divide within the council, with one of the councillors who refused to accept the resignation saying the loss leaves big shoes to fill. Read what they had to say:

Gympie councillors are divided on the shock departure of CEO Shane Gray, who resigned Friday, with one saying the loss “gutted” them and another simply saying “we’re moving on”. Photo: Elizabeth Neil

One of the three councillors who chose not to accept Gympie Regional Council CEO Shane Gray’s resignation on Friday says he is “gutted” for the loss so soon into his tenure.

Mr Gray quit the council Friday with councillors voting six to three to accept his resignation following a five-hour meeting behind closed doors.

Bruce Devereaux, Dolly Jensen and Shane Waldock were the dissenting voices.

Mrs Jensen said they were “abstaining”, which is not allowed under the Local Government Act.

Following the meeting, Mr Devereaux said Mr Gray’s departure would leave big shoes to fill.

“I confess I’m gutted losing Mr Gray so soon into his tenure, especially as the pay-offs to our organisation for so much of the transitional repair he’s been overseeing still hang in the air,” Mr Devereaux said.

“I can’t think of a single bit of infrastructure or an area within the organisation which he wasn’t working to improve with our staff for our residents.

Bruce Devereaux said the council had been left with “big shoes to fill” after CEO Shane Gray’s exit.

“For the financial turnaround alone he has my sincere thanks.

“They’ll be big shoes to fill and I just hope the mayor can attract the same calibre of applicants as we did 18 months ago.”

Division 5 councillor Dan Stewart said on Facebook the meeting’s duration meant “it can be inferred from this that we discussed the issues at length”.

He took the time to welcome finance director David Lewis into the acting CEO chair until a replacement can be found.

“I expect Mr Lewis will be a wise and steady interim leader of the organisation and to continue to discuss issues with the mayor and councillors with candour and with the best interests of the Gympie region in mind,” Mr Stewart said.

Bob Fredman declined to comment beyond saying “we’re moving on”.

“There are a number of items of unfinished business which will progress over the next few months. They include finalisation of the restructure of the organisation, development of a new corporate plan, and continued drive for financial literacy and responsibility throughout the organisation.”

Other councillors did not have much to say when approached; Mrs Jensen and deputy mayor Hilary Smerdon declined to comment, as did Division 8’s Bob Fredman except to say “we’re moving on”.

Mr Gray leaves the job less than two years after joining the council.