REDLAND City Councillors have approved a new Councillor Portfolio Representative Structure.
The decision follows more than 12 months of discussion and internal workshops exploring alternatives to the traditional committee model.
The newly adopted structure assigns councillors to strategic portfolio areas – such as planning, finance, environment, and economic development –aiming to boost collaboration, develop specialised expertise, and improve transparency and communication within Council and with the public.
The motion to implement the new structure was moved by Deputy Mayor Julie Talty, who also introduced an amended list of portfolio assignments.
The amended motion was seconded by Councillor Rowanne McKenzie and carried by a 7-4 vote.
“This is not a rushed decision. This conversation has been ongoing since last April,” Cr Talty said.
“We’re giving councillors the opportunity to step up, build relationships, and work in a more structured and engaged way with each other and the community.”
Cr Talty acknowledged that while not all councillors supported the initiative, the model allows for flexibility and does not prevent further governance reviews.
“If councillors want to explore the idea of committees again, nothing stops that. But we need to start somewhere – and this is somewhere,” she said.
However, the proposal was met with resistance from several councillors, including Councillor Paul Bishop, who questioned the process and transparency behind the move.
“This has been developed in the wrong order,” he said.
“There was no shared agreement on the purpose or principles before portfolios were assigned.
“It risks eroding the trust and respect that are essential to how we work together as a Council.”
However, Cr Jason Colley said concerns about trust and collaboration with the new structure were unfounded.
“To the contrary, they present a fantastic opportunity to earn further trust and respect from the community,” he said.
Concerns were also raised about changes made to the portfolio list during the meeting itself, with some councillors claiming they had not received updated information in advance.
The newly adopted structure will remain in place for the remainder of the Council term.
