Shoalhaven City Council has confirmed the resignation of Robyn Stevens from her role as CEO, which has prompted calls for an investigation into the council.
Ms Steven’s resignation follows speculation in recent days that new Mayor Patricia White and some other councillors had been seeking a leadership change.
Ms Stevens started in the role in February this year with a focus on improving the financial sustainability of the organisation through driving process change and streamlining systems.
“On behalf of Council, I would like to thank Ms Stevens for the positive impact she has had on the culture of the organisation and the efficiencies that she has implemented in the short time in the role,” Mayor White said.
“She has shown incredible leadership and drive for the organisation, and we wish her all the best for the future,” Cr White said.
At a Council meeting last night, Councillors appointed Director of City Development, James Ruprai to act in the role while recruitment is considered by the elected council.
Following the news of Ms Steven’s resignation, the United Services Union claimed that the new councillors had rejected her plan to deal with the council’s financial services, instead preferring a plan to slash 500 positions from the organisation.
The Union says that would be a disaster for local families and services, and has called on the Minister for Local Government to immediately intervene and “hold this dysfunctional council to account”.