Coomalie Community Government Council placed into official management, all elected members suspended
A second Territory council has been turfed this year – with all elected members suspended – while the deputy Chief Minister says the decision paves the way for a more “stable future”.
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Another Territory council has been placed into official management – this time in the Top End – with all elected members suspended for office.
Local government minister Chansey Paech placed the Coomalie Community Government Council into official management, suspending all elected members as well, on Tuesday July 22.
The move makes Coomalie the second council to have all elected members suspended this year, after the same happened to Barkly Regional Council in June.
Mr Paech said a “number of deficiencies” were identified in the “conduct of the council’s affairs”, leading to a “failure” by the council to meet its objectives under the Local Government Act 2019.
“The council has been distracted from its objectives to provide open, responsive and accountable government; and to act in the best interests of the community as a whole,” he said.
“My decision today paves the way for better-functioning services across the communities served by the Council, and a more stable future for the people of the Coomalie region.”
According to Mr Paech, Cathryn Hutton has been appointed investigator to investigate the council’s affairs.
A report of her findings is due March 14 next year.
Mark Blackburn will be the official manager of the council, with the decision having “no impact” on council staff, according to Mr Paech.
Coomalie Community Government Council operates just south of Palmerston, stretching to Manton Dam in the north and Robin Falls in the south.
The 2000 sqkm council oversees 1400 constituents who reside in Adelaide River, Batchelor, and Lake Bennett, and other smaller townships.
Sharon Beswick was the current council president, with four other councillors also serving as well as one position vacant.
In the 2024-25 draft Coomalie shire plan, in her president's message, Ms Beswick said the council was committed to transparency.
“Like any organisation we experience some conflict from within, however as President I aim to unite members and wards to focus strategically on delivering for our community and ensure some of the long-term issues we are facing are addressed,” the message said.
Ms Beswick also sits on the board of the Northern Territory Local Government Association.
While a general election will be held for Barkly Regional Council – also under official management – on November 2, no date has been set for Coomalie.
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Originally published as Coomalie Community Government Council placed into official management, all elected members suspended
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