Margie Maccoll
The first decision of the newly elected Noosa Council at its first meeting on Monday was described as “divisive” when, by secret ballot, councillors went against tradition and voted not for the councillor who won the most votes in the election, Cr Amelia Lorentson, but Cr Brian Stockwell to be Deputy Mayor.
Last term Mayor Clare Stewart nominated Cr Frank Wilkie, who had both experience and the most councillor votes, for the position of deputy mayor and he was appointed uncontested.
This term three councillors Brian Stockwell, Amelia Lorentson and Karen Finzel nominated for the role. Cr Finzel was excluded in the first vote, leaving the contest between the remaining two.
At the election Cr Lorentson gained 17,798 votes, Cr Stockwell 15,938.
In his pitch for the position at Monday’s meeting fourth-term councillor Cr Stockwell said in his opinion there were two key roles (public facing and inward facing) of deputy mayor.
“A public facing role requires you to stand in the mayor’s step in their absence. For this you need a thorough grasp of contemporary issues that are being discussed in the community and council, you need the ability to communicate council’s position in line with policy and credibility to stand by a track record of support of the adoption of the position of Council,“ he said. “The mayor needs to be assured you have knowledge, experience and capability to represent the shire.
“The second role is inward facing for which you should be able to provide strategic support, policy advice and strategic suggestions on key issues.“
Cr Stockwell said with his experience, background knowledge, having deputised for the previous mayor in regional planning committees and having had in the past two terms, shared similar long held views to the mayor on issues and a commitment to the environment, he possessed the qualities required for the role.
Cr Lorentson said having received the most amount of votes sent a clear message from the community.
“It signifies a significant proportion of the community trusts and supports my leadership and prioritises values over experience,“ she said.
“I wouldn’t be standing here today if I hadn’t received the most votes.
“Frank Wilkie you are sitting here as mayor because you got the most votes. That’s the reason you were nominated by Mayor Stewart last term.
“The recent election results where inexperienced newcomers received thousands more votes than experienced councillors suggest the community prioritises criteria beyond just experience. If experience was the most important criteria then the candidate with the most experience should have got the most votes. That didn’t happen. Our community opted for a different style of leadership. The community prioritised balance over experience. It’s crucial we respect and respond to what the community values and expects from its leaders.“
In addition Cr Lorentson said she had the experience to navigate the intricacies of local government and had “a clean record without any charges or findings of inappropriate conduct by the Office of Independent Assessor that underscores my ethical and responsible approach to public service“.
Mayor Wilkie described the “divisive vote“ as the council’s “first test“.
“There was always going to be a councillor elected as deputy mayor and a councillor who was going to experience disappointment,“ he said.
“I’m heartened by what I heard around this table about commitment to unity and cultural values, respect and professionalism at every opportunity. That’s very easy when things are going well but those values are always tested in adversity and today was our first test.
“I hope we can hold true to professional and respectful relationships despite adversity and we’re going to face a lot this term.“
At the meeting, Council also appointed Cr Frank Wilkie to the role of chair of Local Disaster Management Group and Cr Jess Phillips as deputy chair of Local Disaster Management Group and Recovery Group.
“Councillor Jess Phillips, in her former role as a Queensland police officer, has worked in the emergency services space and taken part in disaster management events previously. She talks the language and is the best candidate for the role,” Cr Wilkie said.
Councillors were also appointed to the Planning and Environment Committee and Services and Organisation Committee, with the current meeting structure to remain in place until June, when it will be reviewed.
As well as the Mayor who will serve as member of both committees, the Planning and Environment Committee comprises councillors Amelia Lorentson, Brian Stockwell and Tom Wegener.
Joining the Mayor on the Services and Organisation Committee are councillors Karen Finzel, Jess Phillips and Nicola Wilson.
Councillors have flagged taking Council’s Ordinary Meetings to different parts of the shire from time to time.
