Ministerial Releases

Shelley Hancock – Minister for Local Government

Thursday, 20 August 2020

Yesterday I issued a Notice of Intention to issue a Performance Improvement Order (PIO) to Wingecarribee Shire Council.

I have heard loud and clear the concerns of residents, the Mayor and local MPs Nathaniel Smith (Member for Wollondilly) and Wendy Tuckerman (Member for Goulburn) about the ongoing infighting and its impact on council meetings, decision making and community confidence.

The proposed PIO seeks to address long-term division and conflict among councillors and the associated reputational and work, health and safety risks.

The PIO would focus on councillor training, the conduct of council meetings and mediation to strengthen relationships between elected representatives and prevent dysfunction.

Notice is also given of my proposal to appoint two temporary advisers to conduct the mediation process to address hostility and acrimony among councillors and provide advice and support to the Mayor to ensure the orderly conduct of council meetings.

By law I must provide the council with seven days to lodge a submission in response to the Notice of Intention. As required under the Local Government Act, I will consider any submission before making a final decision on whether to issue the council with a PIO.

The NSW Government is committed to ensuring the local community has a council that is serving its best interests.

MEDIA: Nicholas Story | 0438 255 02