Council casualties mount

The Shire of Denmark continues to be caught in a period of turmoil after two councillors resigned this week following Tuesday’s council meeting.

Kelli Gillies and Roger Seeney, both councillors from the Kent/Nornalup ward, resigned on Wednesday after a motion to request Councillor Rob Whooley apply for leave of absence was voted down.

Cr Whooley is taking legal action against the Shire in relation to his termination of employment as infrastructure director in June 2015 and is claiming up to $400,000 in damages.

The motion, put forward by Cr Gillies, requested Cr Whooley take a leave of absence for up to three months to avoid a bias or conflict of interest.

Shire president David Morrel was forced to use his casting vote to dismiss the motion after the eight councillors were deadlocked with four votes each way.

Ms Gillies said she was surprised by some councillors’ positions.

“The notice of motion provided the opportunity to discuss an issue that is causing anxiety and concern in the community,” she said.

“I was and am surprised councillors failed to maintain their strong stance regarding upholding their duty as the conduit for the community voice.”

Ms Gillies said she believed councillors were avoiding concerns raised by the community.

She also raised concerns about councillors not understanding their roles.

“Further to that, I am often very concerned when councillors are ignoring the advice of qualified professional staff,” she said.

Shire chief executive Cliff Frewing said it could take up to three months to replace the two councillors.

“It is sad to lose two community- minded and hardworking councillors, they take with them knowledge and experience.” he said.

Cr Seeney could not be contacted by the time of print.