Council restructure axes 144 positions

TOWNSVILLE City Council has slashed 144 positions as its contentious eight- month long restructure is finalised.

Chief executive officer Adele Young released the final restructure yesterday, which is expected to save $ 14 million each year in wages.

An independent review by Nous Report released in September revealed how inflated full- time staff levels had been disguised by a heavy reliance on consultants and labour hire.

It also advised the council to cut jobs from senior management positions, condensing five divisions to three.

Ms Young said staff were relieved to see the final structure released.

“It’s not unexpected and they’re looking forward to it being implemented,” she said.

“It brings to an end management practices that have left a lot to be desired.”

Under the new structure, 72 maximum- term temporary roles will be converted to permanent positions, providing greater job security for staff.

There will be 97 new perma- nent positions, while 186 other temporary positions will not be renewed.

Staff in redundant positions will be matched with 259 existing vacancies, with redundancies to occur by a reduction in back office and support functions, realigning planning and delivery of services and removing duplication of responsibilities.

Ms Young said forced redundancies were a last resort.

“We hope to finish the restructure by June 30 – as close as we can,” she said.

Under the structure, a Future Cities Office will be estab- lished to deliver a strategic way forward for the council.

A variety of new roles and focus areas will be created, including a placemaker position, city economist plus new sectors focusing on digital cities, defence, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island principles.

Ms Young said it was the first time a restructure had taken place since the council’s amalgamation in 2008.

“We are trimming from the top, which is evident in how many management positions we have cut … from 63 to 39,” she said. “Council’s new struc- ture better aligns planning, support and delivery roles to break down silos and duplication, cut unsustainable external labour costs and place the focus where it should be on frontline services and outcomes for the community.”

Mayor Jenny Hill said the restructure was delivering on a major election commitment.

“The restructure is about getting the basics right for council’s financial sustainability and easing pressure on rates,” she said.

“This major structural form is long overdue.” re-