‘Dysfunction’: Member for Cairns Michael Healy says city is suffering as council dramas stifle opportunity

A Far North MP has raised concerns over ongoing unrest at Cairns Regional Council with embattled Mayor Amy Eden having lost the confidence of councillors and key executives.

Far North MP Michael Healy has called for an end to the ‘dysfunction’ at Cairns Regional Council. Picture: Brendan Radke

A Far North MP has raised concerns over ongoing unrest at Cairns Regional Council with embattled Mayor Amy Eden having lost the confidence of councillors and key executives.

It is understood that some Cairns councillors have considered taking extraordinary action in the coming weeks, calling on Ms Eden to step down through a no confidence motion.

But the action is unlikely, given the havoc wreaked on Townsville by the currently suspended Mayor Troy Thompson in the wake of a similar request last June.

Acrimony caused by Ms Eden’s recent efforts to undermine her new CEO, Ken Gouldthorp, repulsed councillors who staged a series of crisis meetings this month calling the city’s top office holder into line.

After the mayor refused to apologise to Mr Gouldthorp, all nine councillors forced Ms Eden to issue a statement, publicly declaring the chief executive’s job safe last week.

Cairns Regional Council mayor, Amy Eden and chief executive, Ken Gouldthorp, attend an ordinary meeting in January. Picture: Brendan Radke

The scandal, along with a shock bid to buy a stake in the $3bn North Queensland Airports Group, had raised eyebrows across the city, Member for Cairns Michael Healy said.

“Cairns Regional Council needs stable, accountable, and collaborative governance for the wellbeing of our community,” Mr Healy said.

“I, like most people, hope we will see some semblance of normality return, along with respectfulness and proper governance.”

Business leaders and constituents had even reached out to the Member for Cairns to discuss the latest council drama.

“The recent reports highlighting the dysfunction at the council should concern all of us,” Mr Healy said.

“The expectations by the community of their elected representatives is that we engage legally and respectfully, which ensures the best outcomes for our community.”

Local Government Minister Ann Leahy announced that Townsville Mayor Troy Thompson had been suspended for 12 months in November. Picture: Annette Dew

Advocacy for major projects and further investment in the region was suffering as a result of infighting at the council, the shadow Jobs and Training Minister said.

“We have some great opportunities for our city and region, and we need an effective and efficient Council to capitalise on these opportunities,” he said.

“We only need to look south to Townsville to see what a disrupted council looks like.

“Expectations of an open, ethical, and transparent council have not been reflected in recent times. Some believe that we are far from that.

“Cairns deserves leadership that puts the community first. As always, I am happy to provide whatever guidance and support necessary to the regional council to ensure they have the capacity to deliver for our residents.”

Local Government Minister Anne Leahy didn’t respond to questions prior to deadline on Sunday afternoon.

Cairns Regional Council has refused on multiple occasions to answer questions from the Cairns Post regarding Ms Eden’s email scandal.

Originally published as ‘Dysfunction’: Member for Cairns Michael Healy says city is suffering as council dramas stifle opportunity