Wingecarribee Shire Council will remain suspended until local elections

Suspended Wingecarribee councillors will remain out of action until the next local government elections in September.

The Wingecarribee Shire Council will remain suspended for a further three months to encourage organisational stability and community confidence. 

Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock today announced she would grant the request of Interim Administrator Viv May to extend the council’s suspension until the upcoming local government elections on September 4.

She said the “necessary” extension would allow Mr May to continue his valuable work in addressing the endemic issues facing the council. 

“The interim administrator’s report makes a strong case for more time to restore organisational stability and community confidence in Wingecarribee Shire Council,” Ms Hancock said.

The Minister said Mr May’s work in restructuring, reviewing, and strengthening the council were vital to restoring an effective and functional local government.

“Mr May has done an outstanding job to date and I thank him for his efforts in challenging circumstances,” she said.

The councillors will now remain suspended until September 10 2021, when a newly-appointed council will take the reins. 

The decision comes a month after Mr May told the community his report to the Minister would recommend extending his administration period at Wingecarribee Council. 

“It is important that the Wingecarribee Shire community has renewed confidence and trust in the council before the September 2021 elections,” he said.

Wingecarribee Shire Interim Administrator Viv May has said he’s short on time to enact the necessary changes in council.

NSW Local Government Minister Shelley Hancock suspended the councillorson March 12 after years of infighting and turmoil, installing Mr May as an interim administrator shortly after.

Mr May has since started making major changes to the organisation and how it is run.

“Time is short and there is much to be done,” he said.

President of community organisation Friends of Wingecarribee, Adam Jacobson, said the extension of the suspension of councillors was a foregone conclusion.

“It was almost predictable. The community could see deeper issues,” he said.

“It’s the right thing to do for the future of the shire.”

Suspended mayor Duncan Gair said the extension of the councillor suspension was between the administrator and the Minister for Local Government.

When contacted by The Bowral News, suspended mayor Duncan Gair said he would not comment on any changes to the council implemented by the interim administrator. However he did point to earlier comments about the cost to the community of a disrupted council.

Suspended councillor Ian Scandrett argued the benefit to the community would far outweigh the financial cost.

“Whatever Viv does is likely to be seen by the community as excellent value,” he said.

“We have to spend some money to go forward.”

Mr Scandrett said he was “delighted” to see reform in the council and said the changes are in line with what he has been preaching.

“It’s everything I’ve been saying,” he said.

“The community will be the winner if he continues with his reforms.”

A rally against the appointment of a general manager earlier this year shows the level of community discontent with council decisions.

Despite his positive reaction, Mr Scandrett said there was some doubt about whether the elections would go ahead after the tidal wave of community concern relating to the council.

“Whether the election will proceed is another matter,” he said.

During a council meeting on Wednesday, Mr May informed the community of his intention to readvertise the general manager position. He said the 46 applications received for the position didn’t meet the standards required for someone stepping into this difficult position.

“I was not confident in making a suitable appointment,” he said.

“The departure of the former general manager and the two deputy general managers allows for a refresh of the executive.”

Wingecarribee Shire Council Chambers have been the site of many changes in a few short months. Photo: WSC

Mr May said a newly appointed general manager for Wingecarribee would need to have strong qualifications and be invested in the community.

“Leadership, involvement of the community, urgent need for change, respect and readiness for the incoming council in September will be highlighted,” he said.

With senior council staff member John Burgess recently resigned, all three contract executive staff positions are now vacant.

Mr May said the recent spate of resignations “allows for a refresh of the executive.”

The next council meeting on May 12 will see a number of reports from independent assessors on the operational functions of council.