Yarra City Council has retracted a controversial proposal to grant its CEO authority to sell council-owned properties worth up to $10 million without councillor approval. 

The decision followed overwhelming backlash from residents.

It comes after a draft property strategy aimed to increase the CEO's financial delegation from $1 million to $10 million. The plan was quickly reversed after community consultation concluded, with the council stating that future property acquisitions and sales would be decided by councillors.

“We have received a large amount of feedback relating to officer delegations and the acquisition and sale of properties,” the council said. 

“Based on this feedback, officers will be recommending that any future property acquisitions and sales should be a decision of the Council.”

The ABC reported that Yarra's CEO, Sue Wilkinson, went on leave following the backlash. 

Councillor Stephen Jolly criticised the proposal, calling it “outrageous” and warning it would turn the CEO into an “unelected, economic czar”.

A June 2022 financial report revealed Yarra's loans were the highest among inner Melbourne councils, recommending $36.8 million in savings over six to seven years.

Public consultation on the draft property strategy has closed, with a revised strategy to be voted on in August.

More details are accessible here.