MAYOR-elect Val Schier will have to build bridges with staff at the Cairns Regional Council to stop an exodus of senior managers, sources have warned.

Council sources, who wished to remain unnamed for fear of reprisal, yesterday said the mood in the Spence St headquarters was a "bit like a funeral" with most staff tense and uncertain about their futures.

They said staff were still stunned by the poll result.

Other sources told The Cairns Post staff in key units such as planning, Cairns Water and Cairns Works were angry because they felt Ms Schier attacked their performance during the election campaign.

They said workers in the waste division were particularly angry because of the mayor-elect’s claims that the Portsmith landfill was leaking toxic chemicals into Trinity Inlet, despite their assurances the pollution was minimal.

"She called them liars," one source said.

"There’s a lot of bridges to build there."

"A lot of people are looking for another job this morning."

But Ms Schier said she had not attacked the council’s operational staff.

"I have the utmost respect for their professionalism and their dedication," she said.

Ms Schier said she would speak to staff soon to alleviate fears that she planned to clean out the executive level of the new-look Cairns Regional Council.

She said the only position she had an influence over was that of the chief executive officer.

"That job will be advertised and the best person will be appointed," Ms Schier said.

Noel Briggs is the council’s interim CEO.

"I haven’t spoken with Noel yet about the position," Ms Schier said.

Tears were shed when former mayor Kevin Byrne and other ousted councillors cleaned out their offices.

Mr Byrne also choked up yesterday morning when he farewelled Cairns on John McKenzie’s talkback show on radio station 846AM.

Ms Schier and other elected councillors are expected to be sworn in on April 3.

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