City officer recommends Mayor Tate to replace murder accused colleague

A former councillor appointed to replace suspended murder-accused Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden has no power to conduct City business, a report reveals. Find out surprising new replacement

A former councillor appointed to replace suspended murder-accused councillor Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden has no power or authority to conduct City business, a report reveals.

City councillors at a full council meeting on Tuesday were unanimous in backing a recommendation to appoint Mayor Tom Tate in a caretaker role as Cr Bayldon-Lumsden faces legal proceedings which could stretch into 2024.

His lawyer, Jason Murakami, has indicated the 30-year-old will be pleading not guilty to the murder of his stepfather Robert Lumsden.

Former councillor Margaret Grummitt had been appointed as an advisor in Bayldon-Lumsden’s place - but cannot enter the council chamber for debate as two huge projects in Cr Bayldon-Lumsden’s division are being considered by council.

The Parkwood wave pool and Arundel Country Club development face approval.

Community groups are concerned they do not have a voice as ratepayers continue to “pay up to $6000 a week” yet cannot get representation.

Councillor Brooke Patterson said there were “extreme limitations” on what the advisor could do. She added that residents had reached out to her in frustration.

“Residents have shared their concern we are paying two salaries and they are getting no representation from a specific advisor there,” she said.

“The appointed advisor role seems to be creating more frustration than less.”

Councillor Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden at a council meeting in June 2021. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

The City officer report confirms after the suspension of Cr Bayldon-Lumsden on September 15, the Local Government Department appointed an “advisor” for Division 7 until April next year after a poll was completed.

“The Advisor is not able to undertake duties ordinarily undertaken by a Councillor in an official capacity,” the officer said.

“The Advisor’s role is to act as one of several points of contact between the community and Council. In doing so, the Advisor is available to engage with members of the community and refer their feedback and requests to Council for consideration and resolution.”

Officers say important decisions must now be made about issuing of grant money for community projects, liquor licence applications, road closure permits and event applications.

They recommended councillors authorise Mr Tate be consulted in the absence of Cr Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden “ensuring the matters are addressed in a timely manner”.

Councillor Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden outside his office in January this year. Picture by Richard Gosling.

The mayoral office would continue to be the community point of contact for Division 7 issues until the conclusion of next year’s election.

Planning chair Mark Hammel said he had begun meeting with residents and community groups concerned about development applications, and future consultation could occur with the Mayor.

Cr William Owen-Jones believes the Mayor being a community contact was the best next step.

“We are 143 days from the next local government election. I think we will get there in the end,” he said.

Cr Owen-Jones earlier this month issued a call-out for Division 7 candidates “in the most respectful of all manners”, recognising the lack of representation.

But he said candidates must “get their skates on and have a crack” before the March 16 poll.

He said only a voluntary resignation from Cr Bayldon-Lumsden would trigger a casual vacancy appointment, similar to when Shelley Curtis replaced Cameron Caldwell after he won the recent Fadden by election for the LNP.

“There are currently 30,000-plus residents on the electoral roll who deserve to be represented in the council chambers,” Mr Owen-Jones said.

Former councillor Margaret Grummitt — filling in for Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden but limited in her role given current laws. Picture Glenn Hampson.

“In my opinion, those residents deserve a strong voice, someone who is prepared to stand up and speak for them in the next council.”

The Parkwood Wave Park project would be decided by council at its meeting next month.

“In 11 years I have been a councillor, it’s the first and only time that I can recall where a major application has not had the benefit of the divisional representative in the room,” Cr Owen-Jones said.

“That’s really disappointing. Looking further forward than the Wave Park application, the residents of Arundel will also not be represented if the ­Arundel Hills Golf Club application arrives for a decision in early 2024. That’s even more disappointing.”

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