Costly event

Ratepayers to foot the bill for successful Cairns Regional Council mayoral ceremony

Cairns Regional Council should expect to face a backlash after spending $19,000 on its mayoral induction ceremony. But it can also expect applause for what has been heralded a success based on the record attendance.

Previous induction ceremonies have been relatively low-key affairs at council’s office on Shields St, with a few dozen guests.

Last Thursday’s event drew a whopping 450 onlookers as the community celebrated the new mayor and councillors.

While people in the community will naturally question whether that is the best way to spend $20,000 – in the middle of a costof-living crisis and as council looks to make up the $34m damage bill from Tropical Cyclone Jasper – the turnout was impressive.

A council spokesman said Mayor Amy Eden “campaigned on a platform of being a more accessible council and that starts with day one”.

“Having the swearing-in ceremony at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre allows more people to attend the event,” the spokesman said.

“The community should be given the opportunity to celebrate the people they have elected to represent and guide the city for the next four years.”

Councillor Brett Moller, however, did not believe the event was necessary.

“My personal opinion is that I always believe in the sanctity of the chambers,” Mr Moller said.

“The pledge to serve the people is quite solemn and I think the chambers is an appropriate place for that ceremony.”

Mr Moller pointed out the event itself was successful but different from the norm.

It also engaged many who have not traditionally been interested in local government.

Council said it had an allocation within its annual budget for important occasions, the induction being one of them, but many would argue that money could have been spent elsewhere.

There’s no denying it added colour to an otherwise dull event, and the council should be congratulated for being transparent about the costs associated. But the question is, do the ratepayers think it was money well spent?