Wodonga CIty Council monitor appointed following complaints

The state government has revealed who will monitor the Wodonga Council amid complaints about the behaviour of councillors and how council is run.

The state government has appointed a municipal monitor at Wodonga Council amid complaints about the behaviour of councillors and how the council is run.

Local Government Minister Shaun Lean announced on Tuesday Moira Shire Council will receive Marg Allan and Wodonga City Council - Janet Dore - as a municipal monitor until the end of January 2023.

The monitors will work closely with their respective councils to "improve governance practices and help councillors ensure they are performing their roles" as well as help to recruit a new CEO.

"Councils must be representative of the communities they serve and should have good governance, accountability and integrity," Mr Leane said.

Ms Allan is a member of the Victorian Local Government Grants Commision while Ms Dore is the municipal monitor for Strathbogie Shire COuncil.

A municipal monitor, John Watson, was also appointed for Darebin City Council in Melbourne.

In April Wodonga mayor Kev Poulton said he was thankful for the extra support.

“We appreciate the Minister recognising we are going through a period of change and providing us extra support to guide us through this time as we welcome a new councillor and appoint a new CEO while undertaking our budget preparation for the next financial year,” Cr Poulton said.

The announcement comes after the Herald Sun revealed bad behaviours in local governments had been identified as a "growing problem" by a government review.

Between 2016 and 2020, there were four anti-corruption probes at councils and five were dismissed.

Mr Leane said he was serious about “improving culture in local councils”.

“We want to encourage positive practices and stop negative behaviour,” he said.

“Municipal monitors have proven to be effective at guiding councils to make improvements in governance that help them better serve their communities.

“We expect councillors to maintain high standards and practice good governance – which is what people rightfully expect from their elected representatives.”