General News
25 April, 2024
Cairns Regional Council CEO quits
CAIRNS Regional Council chief executive officer Mica Martin has quit less than two weeks after new Mayor Amy Eden was sworn in.
Ms Martin resigned on Wednesday as councillors were called to a snap meeting at 4pm on Wednesday.
It is understood the relationship between the mayor and CEO had been strained for sometime since Cr Eden was the previous division 5 representative.
At Wednesday’s special council meeting, councillors resolved to delegate to the mayor the power to finalise all matters relating to the CEO’s contract which has ended by mutual agreement. Her contract had about another year to run and the salary ranges from $300,000-$400,000 a year. It is not known if she will be paid fully for the balance of her contract.
Cr Eden thanked Ms Martin for her contribution to council and the city of Cairns since she started on March 29, 2021.
“During her time, Mica was instrumental in maintaining operational stability during some difficult times - none more so than the recent flooding,” she said.
“On behalf of council and the city’s residents, I extend my sincere gratitude to Mica for her service to Cairns and wish her all the very best in her future endeavours.”
Ms Martin said the decision to leave the organisation was made after “careful consideration”.
“My commitment has always been to the best interests of the Cairns community,” she said.
“It is with mixed feelings that I have decided it is time to say goodbye and close this chapter of my life. I am proud of our achievements and progress we made during my tenure.
“I extend my best wishes to the Council, staff and Cairns community who will continue to shape the future of our wonderful city.
A report proposing CEO recruitment arrangements will be tabled at the upcoming ordinary council meeting on Wednesday next week.
“As we prepare to move into the next chapter, we look forward to seeing how Cairns can re-imagine itself and designing a future that we can all be proud of,” Mayor Eden said.
“A city for today that is planning for the needs of tomorrow.”
Ms Martin was appointed by former mayor Bob Manning to replace John Andrejic after the two men had a falling out. Mr Andrejic was one of Cr Eden’s election campaign advisers.
