SOUTHERN Downs Regional Council CEO Andrew Roach has hit back at claims by unidentified sources that councillors are preparing to move against him.

An article in the Southern Free Times yesterday stated councillors had been at odds over the amount of power Mr Roach wields.

"Council wanted me to help remove red tape to help make it more customer friendly," he said.

"This may have slightly changed the council's dynamics but I am only doing what they wanted me to do.

"I've improved finances and made it easier for people to do business with council."

The story also stated Mr Roach had been dismissed from his former position with the Port Macquarie-Hastings council in NSW.

What the Southern Free Times neglected to report was Mr Roach actually won an unfair dismissal case against his former council.

"It was a pretty ordinary time for me - it affected my family and friends," he said.

An unnamed councillor also claimed Mayor Peter Blundell banned him from investigating Mr Roach's background.

However Mr Roach was recruited by McArthur, a reputable staff placement organisation.

"They did background checks on me," Mr Roach said.

"Their image would be tarnished if they let me slip through if there were any problems.

"I have always been open about being terminated however I took it to court and won.

"It is not the councillors' job to run background checks anyway."

Cr Jamie Mackenzie said the public expected councillors to represent ratepayer's collective needs in council business.

"It shouldn't be totally reliant on the CEO," he said.

"On the other hand, the CEO is not to be dismissed over a difference of opinion with them.

"Mr Roach was employed to make some positive changes and has done so, especially in IT, delivery of budgets, running of meetings and in customer relations. We can still do better."