Embattled Scenic Rim Regional Council Chief Executive Officer David Keenan will return to the role following a Special Meeting of Council on Wednesday 6 December.
Keenan took leave to play in the National Masters AFL Carnival on the Sunshine Coast in early October and did not return to the position.
Council has not provided information regarding whether Keenan is on paid or unpaid leave, stating only that he was unable to perform his duties at that time.
Keenan has been active on social media platform LinkedIn over the past two months, posting about running marathons, visiting Warwick Rodeo and attending the North West Hospital and Health Services Board meeting in Mount Isa.
Cr Jeff McConnell called the meeting with the support of councillors Virginia West, Amanda Hay, Duncan McInnes and Marshall Chalk.
After over six hours of discussion in a closed session, Cr McConnell moved the motion that the CEO return to the workplace, with Cr Chalk seconding the motion.
Mayor Greg Christensen spoke against the motion, stating it fails the test of good governance.
“Councillors are well aware that the management practices applied to the management of the CEO have been and remain proper and consistent with the requirements of the Local Government Act.”
“For that reason I can not in good conscience support this motion at this time.”
“While I’m precluded from detailed comment I am concerned that this motion at this time exposes the Council to certain risks.”
He did not expand on what risks were involved.
Cr Virginia West described the situation as challenging and said she supported the motion and believed it is in the best interest of the organisation and the community.
Cr Michael Enright also spoke against the motion, stating it created unacceptable risks.
In speaking for the motion, Cr Amanda Hay said risk in doing nothing and leaving the situation in the current status quo far outweighs the risks the Mayor referred to.
The motion was carried with Councillors Hay, McConnell, West, Chalk and McInnes in favour and the Mayor and Cr Enright voting against.
A second motion made by Cr McConnell to review the performance and contract management process of the CEO was also carried unanimously.
Beaudesert Bulletin requested information from Council about the cost of the CEO’s absence over the past two months and was advised a cost analysis has not been done.
“Council has budgets for employee wages and these are managed accordingly,” said the Council Keenan to return as CEOspokesperson.
