Dale Dickson absent: New Gold Coast city leaders at council chambers sparks speculation

COUNCIL CEO Dale Dickson was absent from a full council meeting on Tuesday but sitting next to Mayor Tom Tate was a replacement causing much speculation.

• Inside story: Downfall of Dale Dickson
• Full interview with new council CEO David Edwards

COUNCIL CEO Dale Dickson was absent from a full council meeting on Tuesday but sitting next to Mayor Tom Tate was a replacement causing much speculation.

The replacement was not new CEO David Edwards, the top State bureaucrat who will replace Mr Dickson. His starting date has not been made public.

Mr Dickson has yet to leave the city offices. His contract ends in September but he is likely to leave in coming weeks.

Today for the first time since the job was advertised he was absent from council.

Sitting to the side of Cr Tate was Commonwealth Games mascot Borobi.

Council sources suggested an announcement would be made later today regarding the city’s involvement in the Olympic Games bid for south-east Queensland.

Senior council bureaucrat Joe McCabe was sitting in Mr Dickson’s seat at the Evandale Chamber.

Councillors later in a closed session were expected to discuss the new CEO’s appointment.