Redland City Council Deputy Mayor, Julie Talty, will take the wheel while Karen Williams awaits her day in court to face a high-range drink driving charge following an alcohol-fuelled car accident on 23 June.
Council CEO, Andrew Chesterman, yesterday confirmed that Ms Williams had taken leave from her Mayoral position.
“As I have stated previously, this is an upsetting time for all, but our shared love of Redlands Coast – this beautiful city by the bay – unites us as a Council, an organisation and a community,” he said in a statement.
“Together, through mutual respect and kindness for each other, we will continue to achieve this every day.
“In regard to the single-vehicle accident at the corner of Queen and Wellington streets, Cleveland on 23 June 2022, the matter is now before the court.
“As such, Council, in full respect of any investigations, the court and judicial process, is not at liberty to comment further on the matter.”
A petition calling for the Mayor’s dismissal which was launched by prominent Queensland road safety advocate, Judy Lindsay – who lost her 20-year-old daughter, Hayley, due to the actions of a drunk driver in 2009 – has received more than 6,360 signatures in 10 days.
Mayor Williams had hosted an online call with Ms Lindsay and the families of other drink drive victims prior to crashing her Council-owned car into a tree following a post-Budget celebration on Council premises.
She later told media she had consumed “several” glasses of wine at the function.
