How much did Cairns council’s induction ceremony cost?
Ratepayers will be forced to foot the bill for Cairns Regional Council’s mayoral induction ceremony last week despite the city facing a massive eigh-figure debt this term.
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Ratepayers will foot the bill for Cairns Regional Council’s mayoral induction ceremony last week despite the city facing a massive eight-figure debt this term and residents already struggling with mounting cost-of-living pressures.
But a council spokesman declared the $19,000 event a “resounding success”, providing the community with an “opportunity to celebrate” its new mayor and nine councillors.
Previous induction ceremonies have been relatively low key affairs, held at council’s office on Shields St, with a few dozen guests in attendance.
But a spokesman said Ms Eden “worked closely” with council officers to stage the declaration of office event at Cairns Performing Arts Centre last Thursday instead, with around 450 onlookers in attendance.
“The Mayor campaigned on a platform of being a more accessible council, and that starts on day one,” the spokesman said.
“Having the swearing-in ceremony at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre allows more people to attend the event.
“The community should be given the opportunity to celebrate the people they have elected to represent and guide the city for the next four years.”
Prior to being elected, Ms Eden called for greater fiscal responsibility with the city seeking hundreds of millions of dollars to fund critical infrastructure works, including a $472m water security project.
“Here we are with a massive construction bill and we don’t have the funding confirmed yet,” Ms Eden said during the campaign trail.
“Should I get elected, I’m going to have to go to Brisbane and Canberra and pray for forgiveness for our sins of the past and beg for the money.
“Otherwise, it falls on ratepayers. There will be water levies for many years if we don’t get that funding.”
The mayor wore freshly tailored threads at the induction which was included in the cost.
“The mayoral robes were made locally and were purchased for $450,” the spokesperson said.
Hosting the induction ceremony at council chambers would have been more appropriate, Division 1 councillor, Brett Moller said.
“My personal opinion is that I always believe in the sanctity of the chambers,” Mr Moller said.
“The pledge to serve the people is quite solemn and I think the chambers is an appropriate place for that ceremony.
“It was a successful night but clearly a departure from the past.”
Council has an allocation within its annual budget for important occasions, the spokesman said.
In addition to existing debt, council also faces the prospect of a whopping $34m damage bill not covered by insurance from Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
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Originally published as How much did Cairns council’s induction ceremony cost?
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