Patrick Conlon appointed principal administrator at Coober Pedy

A former Labor minister and party powerbroker has landed a new role sorting out the state’s most remote – and embattled – councils – in what he says will be a monumental challenge.

Former Labor minister and party powerbroker Patrick Conlon is gearing up for his biggest challenge in a decade as principal administrator of the embattled Coober Pedy council.

Mr Conlon, who resigned from state government in 2014, is one of two key appointments for the state’s most remote council, along with full-time CEO Garry Herdegen.

Mr Herdegen fills the role after a nationwide search failed to find a suitable candidate for the troubled position, which ultimately led to an extra $40,000 being added to the total pay packet to fill it.

He can now earn $197,600-$274,437 and the position includes free rent and an all-expenses paid car.

Meanwhile, Mr Conlon will head to Coober Pedy on Monday before his term as principal administrator starts on Tuesday.

Two existing administrators Erika Vickery and John Moyle will remain and work with Mr Conlon.

Former South Australian government MP Patrick Conlon has been appointed principal administrator of the Coober Pedy District Council. Picture: Supplied

The District Council of Coober Pedy has been a “defaulting council” since January 2019, after an Ombudsman report uncovered serious maladministration.

The defaulting designation will continue through to local government elections in November 2026.

Mr Conlon, who was approached to apply for the position, said it would be a big challenge to sort out the council’s issues including electricity and under-maintained water assets.

“I haven’t had a challenge like this in a while,” he said.

“Hopefully we can get them back on the path of running with a functional, financially viable council within the next year.”

Coober Pedy has also confirmed a new CEO with Garry Herdegen who had been acting in the position. Picture: iStock

Mr Conlon will travel to Coober Pedy but would not be relocating to the town.

His intervening years since resigning as minister was spent consulting and sitting on boards.

“I have done lots of interesting things but it’s not the same as working on a public good,” he said.

Mr Conlon was the former MP for Elder from 1997 to his resignation in 2014, and served several portfolios including transport, infrastructure and energy.

He replaced outgoing principal administrator Geoff Sheridan who resigned citing health and personal reasons.

Local Government Minister Joe Szakacs thanked outgoing administrator Mr Sheridan for his service to Coober Pedy during which he said progress had been made.