Ipswich seeks new direction
Changes are afoot at the Ipswich Council, which has been making news for all the wrong reasons.
Councillors unanimously voted to appoint former Queensland Labor MP Wayne Wendt as Deputy Mayor of Ipswich this week.
Cr Wendt takes over the role from former Deputy Mayor Paul Tully, who ran for mayor in last month's election, but was later asked to leave due to an apparent difference in opinion with Mayor Andrew Antoniolli on the direction the council is taking.
It is a sign of unity in the council that has been rocked by recent scandals, including the resignation of long-standing mayor Paul Pisasale after being charged with extortion and assault-related offences.
This was followed by a turbulent week in which two council executives and a contractor were charged by the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC).
Chief executive officer Jim Lindsay was charged with corruption last week, just days after chief operating officer for works, parks and recreation Craig Maudsley was charged with misconduct.
Former Logan City Council executive Gary Kellar has been appointed acting CEO.
Council contractor Wayne Francis Innes is facing court on official corruption, fraud and misconduct charges.
It is alleged that Mr Innes paid Mr Lindsay to facilitate a change of use for a development application at Austin Street in Redbank Plains.
The CCC alleges that senior council officer Mr Maudsley tried to dishonestly gain a benefit for Mr Innes, whose now collapsed earthworks company, Landfill Logistics, had several contracts with council.
Cr Antoniolli has spoken to QLD Minister for Local Government Mark Furner to discuss the new direction of Ipswich City Council.
Mr Furner said the Government was keeping a close eye while the CCC investigations continue.
“I want to assure the people of Ipswich that my department is monitoring the situation,” he said.
“What I can say is the Palaszczuk Government is rolling out a suite of local government reforms to improve accountability and transparency.
“We are awaiting the outcomes of the CCC's Operation Belcarra to consider any recommendations for further reform.”
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says she will wait until the CCC hand down its report from the operation to make a decision on appointing an administrator or taking any action against Ipswich City Council.