Ipswich more of an advisory role

THE MAYOR of Ipswich says Carl Wulff’s new role with the Queensland city will involve giving advice, not making decisions.
Currently CEO of the City of Greater Dandenong, Mr Wulff last week resigned to move to Ipswich to assume a position vacated last year by respected CEO of 16 years, Jamie Quinn.
Ipswich mayor Paul Pisasale told Star last week that Mr Wulff would be a valuable addition to Queensland’s fourth largest city.
But Cr Pisasale said that, while council would draw on Mr Wulff’s knowledge, it would not allow him input in the decision-making process.
“It is all about partnerships,” Cr Pisasale said. “My job is to set the policy and direction, and his (Mr Wulff’s) role is to implement it.
“In four years time the only person (out of both of us) who stands before the people is Paul Pisasale, not Carl Wulff,” he said
“The people give us a mandate on where we are heading.”
Among the challenges that will face Mr Wulff in Ipswich, Cr Pisasale said the city was leading the nation in the aerospace industry.
“In Queensland’s western corridor, we are the biggest growth area,” he said.
“We have also got our aerospace industry – we are paramount in the development of the Australian aerospace industry.”
Cr Pisasale said he saw similarities between Ipswich and Greater Dandenong’s central trading districts, with shopping strips requiring revitalisation due to the emergence of nearby shopping malls.
“The key thing I liked about Carl, I felt there was a synergy where we both had the same vision to make a better lifestyle for people,” he said.
Mr Wulff this week said he would flourish as Ipswich CEO due to the fact councillors worked full-time.
Queensland local government is also fundamentally different from the Victorian system in that ratepayers elect the mayor.