Queensland Local Government Minister Ann Leahy has rejected a petition calling for Redland City Council to be dismissed and replaced with an administrator, saying the situation does not meet the threshold required under state law.
The petition, tabled in Parliament on October 14, gathered 1,495 signatures from Queensland residents.
It was lodged by principal petitioner Sarah Munroe of Russell Island and cites what it describes as council “conflict and dysfunction”, referencing a July 24 Redland Bayside News report titled Chaos, conflicts and cleared councillors as six claims backfire.
Petitioners argue the council is “incapable of performing their responsibilities” and should be suspended or dismissed in the public interest.
The petition asks the House to dissolve the council and appoint an interim administrator until either a fresh election is held or the next quadrennial election takes place.
However, Minister Leahy said the circumstances did not meet the strict criteria set out under the Local Government Act 2009.
“While the Local Government Act 2009 (the Act) allows for the dismissal of a democratically elected local government, it is only possible in a very specific set of circumstances. At this time, it is not considered that the council has met the threshold for dismissal as outlined in the relevant provisions of the Act,” she said.
The Minister said the concerns raised by residents were being taken seriously.
“I want to assure the Redland community that I take their concerns regarding the council seriously. Both I and the Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers remain committed to closely monitoring the situation. We will continue to engage with the council and provide support where appropriate to promote good governance and positive outcomes for the community,” she said.
