A PROPOSED steamlining of Redland City Council’s internal operations has sparked controversy, with Mayor Jos Mitchell expressing strong opposition to the motion.
Deputy Mayor Julie Talty has put forward a Notice of Motion proposing a new Councillor Representative Portfolio Structure.
This structure, aimed at improving governance and communication, would assign various councillors to specific representative roles focused on service delivery and community interests.
The proposal is seen as an effort to streamline communication between the organisation and the community.
Cr Talty’s motion says the portfolios would not have decision-making powers but instead serve as a conduit for information.
However, the proposal has been met with resistance from Mayor Mitchell, who objected on social media.
In a post, Cr Mitchell stated that she had not been consulted about the restructuring or the introduction of the new portfolio system.
She specifically objected to the fact that the motion included a statement that she, as Mayor, would not be assigned a portfolio.
“I am deeply concerned to read this in the local media. I have not been consulted nor had input towards this major proposed restructuring of our Council,” Cr Mitchell wrote.
“The statement that I, as Mayor, will not be assigned a portfolio has also been put forward without my knowledge or consent.
“I believe this is another tactic to sideline me as the elected Mayor.
“I will therefore not be supporting this motion.”
Cr Talty said the first point of misinformation was the assertion that this was a “proposed restructure”.
“This motion is for noting and to have the policy supporting documents and structure finalised in March.
“Even if and when the proposal is fully adopted, it is a very long bow to suggest it would result in a ‘restructure’.
“In fact I was at pains in the motion to point out that it was additional to and an improvement in communication and was not proposed to change the current workshops, meetings and decision making policies and protocols of council,” she said.
