Staff cuts split council

COUNCILLORS are deeply divided as the Gold Coast City Council delivers its budget today after having to cut eight community development officers from their divisional offices. The decision, made in full council, could see savings of up to $1 million.

However, councillors were unable to debate the issue before voting after Deputy Mayor Donna Gates successfully pushed for a rare ‘put motion’, which stops discussion on confidential matters.

A council source told the Bulletin: “There will be a big

ripple effect (in terms of the relations between councillors). In the last five and a half years, this has to be the worst decision I’ve seen.”

A council worker said some of the staffers had been with the council for more than 20 years and built up extensive community networks.

“The whole thing was done pretty poorly. Some of them are the major breadwinners for their families and I feel sorry for them,” the worker said.

The five councillors – one third of the council – who voted against the move were Glenn Tozer, William OwenJones, Peter Young, Bob La Castra and Daphne McDonald.

Cr Tozer was the only councillor to speak before the debate was stopped, a move Cllr Gates said was necessary to respect the privacy of employees.

“The debate was ultimately terminated,” he said.

“I was disappointed.” Cr Tozer said the community development program was well-loved in his area and had helped groups get a number of grants.

Councillor Peter Young, on his Facebook page, admitted “I am uncertain how we are going to manage (with the loss of staff) through the coming months”.

The Guanaba rural Fire Brigade on learning of the removal of their division’s community engagement officer posted “that is a tragic loss to all local community groups”.

Cr Owen-Jones on his Facebook page told residents the council would develop a new model where staff could work with community groups to advise them of potential funding opportunities. The community development program provided help to local groups, clubs and sporting associations across the city to apply for grants and hold events.

A council spokesman said the timing of the redundancies was yet to be determined.

“Council is continually looking to deliver better service to ratepayers and this will achieve that,” he said.

It is understood the money saved will be redirected into the each councillors local area works budget.

Council budget – updates throughout the day at goldcoastbulletin.com.au