Strathbogie Shire Council suspended by Allan government

Strathbogie Shire Council in Victoria’s north has been suspended by the state government after it failed to address problems raised in an independent report.

Strathbogie Shire Council has been suspended. Picture: Supplied

Strathbogie Shire Council has been suspended by the Victorian government.

The suspension applies to all members of Strathbogie Shire Council and takes effect from Wednesday, 6 December until the next local council elections in October 2024.

An interim administrator will be appointed in response to Municipal Monitor Peter Stephenson’s final report.

Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne said the administrator would restore good governance so that local representatives could properly fulfil their roles in the future.

Strathbogie Shire Council Mayor Laura Binks.

“Strathbogie residents deserve a council that serves their needs and it is clear from the work of two municipal monitors that a circuit-breaker is needed,” she said.

“We want Victorians to have confidence in their local councils and that’s why we will introduce legislation to improve the performance and accountability of councillors across the state.”

A Victorian government spokeswoman said the council and councillors were provided an opportunity to respond to the monitor’s report but they failed to fully appreciate and address the problems raised.

Mr Stephenson has been appointed Strathbogie Shire Interim Administrator to provide support and continuity to the shire’s operations.

A longer-term appointment will be made in due course to support the restoration of good governance to the shire.