Mayor quits: ‘I’ve been worn down’

A TASMANIAN mayor has announced her immediate resignation, citing “unfair criticism” which “severely impacted” her health and wellbeing.

Glamorgan Spring Bay mayor Debbie Wisby on Friday said she would be tendering her resignation from council midway through her four-year term.

Ms Wisby said recent events had left her mentally drained.

“I have been worn down by constant criticism and lack of support from the Local Government Division and the unfair criticism of an orchestrated few, both inside and outside the council office,” she said.

“My position has become untenable; my health and wellbeing have been severely impacted.”

Glamorgan Spring Bay Council was last month issued with a performance improvement direction by Local Government Minister Mark Shelton, amid concerns the council’s asset management plans were in breach of the Local Government Act.

Ms Wisby said the performance improvement direction created stress for the council.

“While council had no issue with the PID, it was very disappointing that the process was managed through a ministerial media release,” she said.

“This caused unnecessary and avoidable anxiety for community, staff and elected members — it was particularly stressful for those of us who had devoted so many hours to the task.

“The State Government and Local Government Division were aware of council’s precarious position when the current council was elected in November 2018.

“The majority of council’s policies, plans, strategies, delegations and bylaws were ineffective, deficient or outof-date.

“Furthermore, the current council inherited a soaring debt.”

At the issuing of the performance improvement direction, Mr Shelton said the council had shown efforts to improve its governance.

“I recognise the council has been working hard to improve its approach to governance and has developed and adopted a Statement of Expectations,” Mr Shelton said last month.

Ms Wisby’s resignation follows a string of incidents in recent months, including alleged bullying and harassment claims among councillors.

Ms Wisby’s departure also follows the sudden resignation of councillor Keith Pyke in March, who left citing personal reasons.