Nominations for Glamorgan Spring Bay mayoral position to open on July 20

It takes in some of the state’s most beautiful tourism hot spots, but a Tasmanian council has attracted its fair share of controversy in recent years and is now looking for a new mayor.

• Performance improvement notice to be issued to Tasmanian council
• Glamorgan Spring Bay Mayor announces she will be tendering her resignation

NOMINATIONS for a new mayor for a beleaguered Tasmanian council will open next week after the former mayor’s sudden resignation last week.

The Tasmanian Electoral Commission confirmed nominations would open on Monday for the mayoral position at the Glamorgan Spring Bay Council, with an announcement of nominees expected on July 31.

Ballot material will be delivered to electors by post from August 4 and the polls will close on September 1.

The by-election was triggered after Debbie Wisby announced last week she was resigning

midway through her four-year term.

Former mayor of Glamorgan Spring Bay Debbie Wisby in Orford in June. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Ms Wisby said recent events had left her mentally drained.

“I have been worn down by constant criticism and lack of support from the Local Government Division and the unfair criticism of an orchestrated few, both inside and outside the Council office,” she said.

“My position has become untenable; my health and wellbeing have been severely impacted.”

The mayor’s resignation followed a string of incidents in recent months, including alleged bullying and harassment claims among councillors as well as soaring debt.

The council last month revealed it was expecting a deficit of $2.4 million in the 2020-21 financial year.

Those holding the top position of the East Coast council previously have attracted their share of controversy, with most recent mayor Michael Kent copping criticism for being a vocal supporter of the controversial Cambria Green development.

Before Mr Kent, flamboyant mayor Bertrand Cadart faced huge backlash after he was quoted in a national magazine as saying Tasmania’s population was disparate — ranging from the “boganist of bogans” to “green pains in the arse”.

Last month, the council received notice from Local Government Minister Mark Shelton of his intention to issue a Performance Improvement Direction.

Local Government Minister Mark Shelton issued a performance improvement direction to the council in June. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

The council was this year ordered by the Director of Local Government to establish a Statement of Expectations Special Committee to outline how council stakeholders should interact.

Independent committee members released reports which found the council was non-compliant with the Local Government Act on matters including having no long-term financial plan, asset management plan or a current annual plan.

The council had 14 days to provide a submission prior to a final determination that would describe the time frame for the council to demonstrate compliance and potential sanctions should compliance not be achieved.

Mr Shelton said on Wednesday he had since received a submission from the council and was considering it.