OUTSPOKEN Scenic Rim Councillor Derek Swanborough has resigned.

He cited the huge volume of complaints made against him through the State Government’s troubled Office of the Independent Assessor as the reason for his resignation.

More than 70 complaints have been levelled at Cr Swanborough, with most said to come from within the Christensen Administration.

His resignation will trigger a by-election for the Division 1 seat in Scenic Rim Regional Council which takes in Tamborine Mountain.

Cr Swanborough announced his resignation at this morning's meeting, just over 12 months from the next election.

In his speech in the council chamber this morning, Cr Swanborough said the time taken to defend himself against complaints from the Christensen Administration had compromised his capacity to perform his role as a councillor.

“This is a decision I am most reluctant to make, but I have regretfully come to the view that I am unable to provide the level of service to my constituents that they deserve,” Cr Swanborough said.

“One issue that has precipitated my decision is this – the unprecedented level of internally generated OIA complaints – 70 plus at last count – that have been levelled against me.

“Responding to these complaints consumes an inordinate amount of my time and as a consequence compromises my capacity to effectively carry out my duties as a Scenic Rim councillor.”

Cr Swanborough has had 45 years of experience in local government, which has given him an informed perspective in meetings. In his current term, he has highlighted issues with transparency in the council’s decision-making process, fought for lower rates and improved customer service.

Cr Swanborough also led a campaign for Tamborine Mountain to leave Scenic Rim Regional Council and join Gold Coast City Council.

He told the council that campaign would continue and said he was proud of reforms to the council he had been able to achieve in the past two years.

Read the FULL STORY in your Fassifern Guardian tomorrow.