Barkly Regional Council (BRC) meeting had a high number of the public attending in the gallery in light of recent news headlines.

BRC CEO Emma Bradbury said many expressed concerns about the current issues facing Council, which include Mayor Jeffrey McLaughlin taking leave after charges relating to marijuana, and claims from former employees about bullying and mismanagement highlighted by ABC Alice Springs last week.

“It was good to see so many members of the community attend the meeting and they were vocal about what was concerning them the most,” she said.

“We had good news for concerned ratepayers that the miscalculation for business rates has been rectified and new rates notices will be issued shortly.”

At the end of the meeting, the new Deputy Mayor was elected. Councillor Russell O’Donnell will now take over the role from Councillor Dianne Stokes.

While the Mayor is taking personal leave, Cr O’Donnell will take over the role of Acting Mayor.

This article appeared in Tennant & District Times, 30 September 2022.