Scenic Rim CEO David Keenan will return to work on Monday, December 18.

That’s the decision made by Scenic Rim councillors on a 5-2 vote after almost seven hours of closed session debate on Wednesday.

The vote was led by Deputy Mayor Jeff McConnell, seconded by Cr Marshall Chalk and supported by Crs Virginia West, Amanda Hay and Duncan McInnes.

No information was given on the reason why Mr Keenan did not return to work after taking a week’s leave in early October other than it was a ‘governance issue’.

Mayor Greg Christensen said he was against the move as he believed “it fails the test of good governance” and he was “concerned that this motion at this time exposes council to certain risks”.

Cr Michael Enright backed the Mayer in opposition to the motion saying that correct process was followed and he saw the move as an “unacceptable risk”.

Cr Virginia West countered by saying: “we’ve had a very lengthy discussion at this time” and received “extensive legal and professional advice … I believe the decision is in the very best interests of the organisation and the community”.

Cr Hay said the risk in doing nothing far outweighed the risks the Mayor spoke of.

In concluding the discussion, Cr McConnell noted that the risks had been discussed for six hours and 40 minutes and “it is good governance that we debate these issues and seek appropriate advice from all levels and all parties”.

“Part of the duties of councillors is to look at the risks not only to ourselves and to council, but to council’s reputation and to the community.

“I think this motion provides the very best governance to ensure a stable and well-run council.”