General News
14 May, 2024
Douglas Shire CEO quits
ANOTHER Far Northern council chief executive officer has resigned following March 16 elections – this time the boss of Douglas Shire Council.
Rachel Brophy resigned at a closed meeting session of the council this morning (Tuesday, May 14) at 9am. This follows Cairns Regional Council’s chief executive officer Mica Martin resigning last month, effective immediately.
Ms Brophy was present in the council chamber during the public sessions of the special meeting before and after councillors met behind closed doors. She did not comment.
Her resignation was not unanimously accepted. Cr Roy Zammataro voted against all motions including a recruitment process for a new CEO.
Cr Scomazzon thanked Ms Brophy for “her continued dedication, professionalism and commitment during good times and challenging situations, as she supported elected members, the broader council team and the community”.
“Rachel has achieved many great outcomes for the community, including:
construction of the Mossman Splash Park, new bike paths, and new lighting at the Mossman Showgrounds, leading our eco-tourism certification and securing the Queensland Symphony Orchestra as the headline act to celebrate Carnivale’s 30th anniversary,” she said.
“Rachel also successfully led council’s response to ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper which has seen unprecedented damage across the shire. She worked tirelessly advocating to
the state and federal government(s) to ensure funding for Douglas’ water security and single-handily commissioned processes engineers from Brisbane and Sydney to work alongside council staff in the aftermath of the monsoonal rain event.
“On behalf of councillors, we wish Rachel the best as she spends time with her family.”
The CEO’s last day with the council will be July 9. The council’s planning and environment manager Paul Hoye will be acting chief executive officer from July 10 while the council begins a recruitment process for a new council boss.
