Investigators make call into Far North mayor’s use of ratepayer resources for website

An investigation into a Far North mayor’s alleged use of ratepayer resources for her own personal gain has been dropped by the state’s corruption watchdog. WHAT WATCHDOG HAD TO SAY.

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden chairs a general meeting at Cairns Regional Council Chambers on Spence Street, Portsmith. Picture: Brendan Radke

An investigation into a Far North mayor’s alleged use of ratepayer resources for her own personal gain has been dropped by the state’s corruption watchdog.

In March, Cairns Regional Council mayor Amy Eden launched a promotional website for herself, featuring the council’s logo and ‘Team Eden’ colour scheme from her election campaign.

The logo was later removed at the request of councillors and CEO Ken Gouldthorp.

Ms Eden paid for the website herself but it is understood the mayor’s former adviser,

Gavin King, contributed to the site’s content.

Cairns mayor Amy Eden's personal website was launched earlier this year.

On Thursday afternoon, the Office of the Independent Assessor confirmed that complaints regarding the webpage wouldn’t be pursued any further.

“The OIA investigated complaints relating to the mayor’s website it received in March and April this year,” a spokesman said.

“Following inquiries, the OIA determined that it would not be in the public interest to take further action and the complaints were dismissed.”

Cairns Regional Council mayor Amy Eden and council employee Gavin King at a recent press conference. Picture: Brian Cassey

The watchdog acknowledged the council’s decision to place Mr King into a different role, after concern was raised regarding the site.

“Specifically, the OIA noted that subsequent to the conduct, the council resolved to re-deploy the relevant advisor,” the spokesman said.

“It is understood the role will now undertake work for all councillors.

“The OIA maintains a strong focus on pursuing serious misconduct matters while working to support councillor capacity building across Queensland.”

Cairns Regional Council Mayor Amy Eden will deliver the city’s budget next week. Picture: Brendan Radke

Ms Eden said she looked forward to using her website to communicate directly with ratepayers.

“I welcome confirmation from the Office of the Independent Assessor (OIA) a fortnight ago that recent complaints about my website constituting ‘a misuse of council resources for personal gain’ amongst other things, have been dismissed,” she said.

“My website is just one of many channels through which I provide a free flow of information to ratepayers and engage with the Cairns community.

“Engagement was a key pillar of my election campaign last year and it will continue to be an important hallmark of my role as mayor.”

The mayor said her attention would now return to key priorities, including “delivering rates, roads and rubbish in the most cost effective and efficient way possible”.

The council will hand down its budget next Wednesday.

Originally published as Investigators make call into Far North mayor’s use of ratepayer resources for website