North Sydney Council is second-most complained about in NSW
NORTH Sydney is the second most complained about council in NSW a new local government report has revealed.
North Shore
Don't miss out on the headlines from North Shore. Followed categories will be added to My News.
NORTH Sydney Council has retained its status as one of the most complained about councils in the state.
A report card compiled by the State Government showed the council received 20 code of conduct complaints in 2013-14.
North Sydney had the second highest number of complaints in the state, after Wingecarribee (21) in the Southern Highlands.
The cost of dealing with the North Sydney matters was $38,498 and $173,000 for Wingecarribee.
The council did not provide details about the matters to the Mosman Daily.
“We can’t provide any details relating to code of conduct complaints as they are confidential,” a spokeswoman said.
Code of conduct complaints allege misconduct by council officials.
The report card said the council also had two complaints investigated by an independent reviewer. Most councils had no complaints in this category.
Last year, the council topped the list with 26 code of conduct complaints at a cost of $51,000. The figures were for 2012-13.
The report card also showed some positive results. The surplus from continuing operations was $26 million. And the council reported one of the lowest residential rates in the state at $631.90.
“We need to ensure that ratepayers are getting the best value for their money and have the information they need to assess their council’s performance in a meaningful way,” Local Government Minister Paul Toole said.
He ordered the council to improve its performance after it was threatened with suspension due to concerns over its behaviour.
A report will go to Mr Toole this month detailing how it has complied with his orders.
After North Sydney the next highest number of complaints went to: Tweed (18), Eurobodalla and Wollondilly (13), Waverley (11) and Shoalhaven (10).
CLOVER MOORE REJECTS MERGER IDEA
Mosman Council’s Report Card for 2013-14
- Seventh highest residential rates in NSW at $1208
- Five code of conduct complaints, which cost $15,941 to investigate
- Total revenue of $44m from continuing operations
- Total surplus of $5.3m from continuing operations
- Total business rates revenue of $1.5m
- Roads, bridges and footpaths spend of $3.3m
Search for missing man after clothes found on Sydney beach
A search for a man who was reported missing, and his clothing found on a Sydney beach, has resumed. Here’s the latest.
Sydney hospital uses wrecker’s yard ute in unique rehab training
A therapist at a top Sydney private hospital has come up with a groundbreaking idea to use a wrecker’s yard ute to help hip replacement patients recover after surgery.