Townsville City Council meeting forges ahead in mayor Troy Thompson’s absence

Councillors are taking a considered stance on their mayor’s future position, while emphasising a united “business as usual” approach.

Townsville City Council CEO Joe McCabe, Cr Suzy Batkovic and Cr Ann-Maree Greaney who is now chair in the absence of Troy Thompson. Picture: Evan Morgan

Townsville City councillors have taken a united “business as usual” stance and refused to speculate on the future of embattled mayor Troy Thompson’s position.

They had an air of silent determination about them as they walked into the council chamber on Wednesday morning, despite their mayor posting rants online over the previous two nights testing their authority after the Premier accused him of holding the city ”to ransom” by refusing to step down from his role.

Mr Thompson has taken a leave of absence and is being investigated by the Crime and Corruption Commission, and councillors recently voted to declare their lack of confidence in his position.

Townsville City Council Mayor Troy Thompson, who is on leave a Crime and Corruption Commission investigation made against him. Picture: Evan Morgan

While deputy mayor Paul Jacob acts as the mayor, third-term councillor Ann-Maree Greaney chairs the council meeting alongside interim chief executive Joe McCabe, who joined the council weeks before Mr Thompson’s leave of absence.

Ms Greaney said she would not speak on behalf of Premier Steven Miles, but conceded that the matter needed to be resolved.

“Everyone in the community that I’ve spoken to would like to see this come to an end and an outcome that is suitable for the Townsville community.

“I think the process will work itself out.”

Councillor Brodie Phillips called to appoint Ms Greaney as another acting mayor, which was backed by councillors.

Ann-Maree Greaney chairs the Townsville City Council meetings instead of the deputy, and has also been appointed as the acting mayor if Troy Thompson or Paul Jacob cannot fulfil their roles. Picture: Evan Morgan

They were confused by the motion’s intention at first, given that it was referring to an acting mayor, and then an acting-acting mayor, but Cr Greaney described it as “third in line to the throne”.

This position would step in if Mr Thompson and Mr Jacob were both absent from their roles at the same time.

Mr Phillips said the position of acting mayor was never filled when the council first met and appointed a deputy mayor, who would be appointed in 12-month terms.

Councillor Brodie Phillips has moved significant motions involving the council’s leadership in the past two council meetings. In this meeting he called for Ann-Maree Greaney to be appointed deputy mayor. Picture: Evan Morgan

After the meeting Cr Phillips was asked what he thought of Mr Thompson’s future position, to which he said, “there’s matters that are under investigation and there’s, you know, matters following our motions that have gone to the minister”.

“And for us it’s business as usual, let that play its course, we’re focused on delivering for the city.”

Councillors also divided Mr Thompson’s portfolios among themselves, the most notable being the council representative on the Townsville Enterprise Limited’s board, which Liam Mooney sought, while appointments for the Townsville Local Disaster Management Group’s chair was Andrew Robinson.

Next week the council will release its annual budget.

Ms Greaney said Mr McCabe was leading operations and “steering the ship” properly behind the scenes, and that the essentials such as rubbish collection was still being delivered.

“He is a very calm and measured person, and I think in these turbulent times we need someone who is calm and measured.

“The murky water I think is obviously in terms of the leadership, and we’re trying to do our best to address those.”

She acknowledged that councillors were shouldering the work left by a mayor who was on leave, but they were communicating as to who would attend the functions that Mr Thompson would represent the council at.

“You know, it’s kind of a silver lining, but it’s called all the counsellors together.”

Originally published as Townsville City Council meeting forges ahead in mayor Troy Thompson’s absence