Former Douglas Shire CEO sues publisher as he leaves Council

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DouglasNews.Network is being sued for damages by former Douglas Shire CEO Mark Stoermer, who announced his departure from Council this week.

The defamation claim has been lodged by Mr Stoermer’s legal representation, Miller Bou-Samra Lawyers.

No other details are publicly available at this stage, however Tropic Now understands it relates to an article DouglasNews.Network published in May about Council’s purchase of the Daintree River ferry.

In a statement, the news organisation said it would fight the claim.

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"DouglasNews.Network is being sued by Mark Stoermer, former CEO of Douglas Shire Council, for defamation," it reads.

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Last December, the publisher was forced to issue an apology to Mr Stoermer, over a separate article about a vote on options for the Daintree crossing. 

The article was altered and the apology made for asserting that the then CEO had “deliberately disobeyed a council resolution”.

DouglasNews.Network was registered by ASIC in April last year.

Its editor is Andre Leu, the husband of previous Douglas Shire Mayor, Julia Leu.

Tropic Now has also sought comment from Mr Stoermer and his legal representative.

The revelation comes as Douglas Shire Council this week officially announced Mr Stoermer’s three-year contract is not being extended.

Governance Manager Juanita Warner was appointed as Acting CEO earlier this month, while Mr Stoermer was on leave.

“Upon the completion of this termed contract, I have decided that now is the right time for me to move on to the next chapter of my life,” Mr Stoermer said.

“I would like to thank all of the wonderful Council staff, the residents and ratepayers of Douglas Shire, and all Councillors over the last three years.”

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr thanked Mr Stoermer for his service.

“I personally have really enjoyed working with Mark who was a great asset to me as a new Mayor whilst we worked through some very challenging times brought about by COVID as well as the day-to-day operations of the organisation,” he said.

“On behalf of Councillors and staff, I would like to thank Mark for his commitment to his work, his team and the local community, and wish him the very best in his future endeavours.”

Juanita Warner will remain as Acting CEO during the recruitment process to find Mr Stoermer’s successor.