Dickson told to cull jobs

GOLD Coast City Council CEO Dale Dickson will have to come up with a plan to cull jobs in order to save his own.

Councillors yesterday unanimously voted to give Mr Dickson a new three-year deal – with the option of a fourth – if he can successfully outline a council reform “road map” by September 15.

The deal was struck after councillors in June voted to consider whether to offer Mr Dickson a new contract at the end of the year. It is understood Mayor Tom Tate has been unhappy with the rate of cost-cutting at the council, particularly in reducing staff.

Mr Dickson’s reply to the Bulletin’s request for comment yesterday came via the council’s media manager. “There’s never been a better day to be a Gold Coaster,” he said.

Cr Tate declined to speak to media.

The public, media and council staff were all removed from chambers while the debate took place yesterday. The resolution was approved after the councillors spent more than an hour deliberating.

It read: “That the Mayor addresses a road map for further organisational reform with the CEO. That a report be brought back to the council meeting on 15 September 2017 regarding proposed reform in order to consider reappointing the CEO to a three-year contract with a one-year extension option to be exercised by council”.

Council sources said the deal was struck after private discussions between Cr Tate and Mr Dickson about his future. Cr Tate has been aiming to cull jobs via natural attrition but has been frustrated by Mr Dickson giving approval to fill positions as they become vacant.