The CEO of Cairns Regional Council, Lyn Russell, has been dismissed and will  receive a payout reported to be worth around $500,000, including 12 months’ pay and entitlements.

 

In a statement the Council said  arrangements had been agreed to end Ms Russell’s contract effective close of business Friday, June 29. 

 

Mayor Bob Manning said the termination of the CEO’s contract was amicable and that Council wished Ms Russell the best in her future endeavours.

 

Ms Russell joined Cairns Regional Council as CEO in November 2009 and was formerly General Manager at Wagga Wagga City Council, and CEO of Thuringowa City Council in Townsville for the ten years prior to Council amalgamations in 2008. During her career she has been awarded Local Government Manager of the Year in both NSW and Queensland.

 

General Manager of Planning and Environment Peter Tabulo will be acting CEO while Council embarks on a recruitment program to attract a replacement for Ms Russell.

 

It is the second time in three years that the Cairns Regional Council has terminated a CEO, with Noel Briggs believed to have been paid a similar severance in 2009.