By Jeremy Cook
Southern Downs Mayor Melissa Hamilton has responded to outrage over the council’s shock ousting of its own chief executive, admitting the move drew an expectedly mixed reaction.
Southern Downs Regional Council’s now-former CEO Dave Burges was on long service leave when all but two councillors voted to terminate his employment during September’s ordinary council meeting.
The reason behind the move has remained shrouded in mystery with privacy laws preventing the release of further details.
Responding to questions from Warwick/Stanthorpe Today, Mayor Hamilton labelled the community’s response to Mr Burges’ sudden axing as “mixed”.
“With any significant decision of council there will of course be views on both sides,” she said.
“The community response has been mixed, as expected, however the majority of messages I have received have been supportive of the decision for a variety of reasons.
“If we focus on improving council’s performance and ensuring that ratepayer dollars are used wisely then ratepayers will judge us on whether we have delivered that over the term of council.”
Mr Burges was 12 months into a four-year contract which had been awarded by the previous council administration last year.
His dismissal sparked outrage among community members including former Mayor Ron Bellingham who told Warwick/Stanthorpe Today he felt there was “no fairness” in what had been done.
A motion of confidence in Mr Burges had previously been moved by Councillor Ross Bartley during a council meeting in August. Councillors then voted to adjourn the motion until December.
