Praise for council veteran

BUSINESS leaders have backed experience when it comes to who has their hand on the tiller at the council.

Gold Coast Tourism Chairman and Gold Coast Airport CEO Paul Donovan described Dale Dickson as a “quality executive”.

“I have been totally supportive of his efforts at every part in the tourism sector,” Mr Donovan said.

Some councillors have supported a change for new ideas but Mr Donovan did not hold the same view.

“It’s doesn’t matter (how long he has been in the job) – it’s when you have been there 20 years and have been asleep at the wheel (it’s a concern),” he said.

Former councillor and mayor Lex Bell said when he returned to the council in 2012 he thought Mr Dickson was too powerful.

He said his opinion changed after state legislation was altered, giving power back to councillors.

“The CEO adapted very quickly,” he said. “My concerns were removed.”

Mr Bell said losing Mr Dickson would also be a loss of information the long-term CEO had gathered.

“There is enthusiasm about a new broom but on balance it is better to have experience,” he said.

Prolific developer Max Christmas said it would be hard to find someone with Mr Dickson’s experience.

“He is qualified and there are not many of them in the country,” he said.

“There are only a few that can apply for it – they need years of experience. I just think it is a very hard job.”

Mr Christmas said he was not aware of a “single blemish” on Mr Dickson’s record.

Griffith University political expert Paul Williams said while he did not have an intimate knowledge of the council, it was important for all local government CEOs to remain separate from the public arena.

“A CEO must be at arms length,” he said.