Council general manager sacked with $272k payout after hat-draw mayor mix-up

The Clarence Valley Council has terminated the employment of its general manager following a period of internal instability. The official was granted a payout of $272,000 as part of the separation agreement. The decision follows a controversial mayoral election process involving a hat-draw to break a tie, which preceded a period of administrative turbulence.

Councillors cited a fundamental breakdown in the professional relationship between the governing body and the general manager as the primary driver for the dismissal. The council stated that the ongoing friction had resulted in a dysfunctional environment, necessitating a change in leadership to restore operational stability.