Council concerns raised
“You have to ask what’s going on,” Mr Tapiolas said.
He said he had a lot of time for acting CEO Mike Chiodo, who he said was level headed and experienced.
“But we don’t want ( someone) in a temporary position. We want a permanent CEO and to get on with the challenges facing the city,” Mr Tapiolas said.
Ms Young took immediate sick leave on November 23 with Cr Hill announcing on November 29 the CEO had resigned. In the announcement, Ms Young indicated her priority of transforming the council and its organisational structure was complete and that it was time for others to “complete the cycle”.
Ms Young implemented the Nous Group reforms, cutting management positions, offering voluntary redundancies and merging five departments into three.
A council spokesman said it was delivering on key projects like Stage 1 of the Haughton water pipeline and that Ms Young decided it was the right time to leave after completing council reforms.
Townsville Water Taskforce chair Brad Webb was not concerned by Ms Young’s departure.
Ms Young had done a “great job” implementing difficult reforms, Mr Webb said.
“I think it’s a natural progression,” Mr Webb said.
“She has done tough work in a short period and the city should be grateful for that.”
Queensland developer Laurence Lancini said he was concerned about Ms Young’s departure but did not know the circumstances.
“When a critical person within the operation of a business like that departs quickly it really concerns me. Adele was doing a good job and she was getting things done,” Mr Lancini said.
The council spokesman said the council remained focused on delivering on key policies.
“Council’s executive team, including the acting CEO, have committed to delivering on the projects commenced during the former CEO’s time in role,” the spokesman said.
The spokesman said Ms Young’s reasons for leaving had been made clear.
“After completing the reform process at council, saving ratepayers more than $ 90 million and setting the foundations for the city’s future growth, Ms Young decided it was the right time for TCC to return to business as usual approach – and that is exactly what’s happening.”