The NSW Government has announced a public inquiry into Balranald Shire Council to investigate a range of matters impacting on its ability to serve the local community.
Member for Murray Austin Evans said a public inquiry will provide an independent, open and transparent process to help improve the council’s performance and sustainability.
“The performance of Balranald Shire Council has been of concern to the Office of Local Government and the local community for some time,” Mr Evans said.
“In April 2017 the Minister for Local Government issued a formal performance improvement order (PIO) requiring the council to take action to improve its performance.
“While the council is doing really well and has attended to many of the requirements of the PIO, there are still some matters impacting on its financial sustainability, governance and administration.
“Like all residents of Balranald, I would like to see our local council performing at its optimum and this public inquiry will help get to the bottom of the issues impacting on its performance.
“Any member of the public with concerns about the council can now raise them directly with the Commissioner of the public inquiry.”
The public inquiry will examine whether:
- The Council’s governing body is providing strong and effective leadership especially in relation to long-term financial planning, public land management and provision of services;
- The Mayor and councillors’ conduct and decision-making both collectively and individually demonstrates an understanding of their role under the Local Government Act;
- The Council is acting as a responsible employer and providing a safe, consultative and supportive working environment for the general manager and other staff;
- The governing body commands the confidence of the local community; and
- The Council has complied with its obligations under the Crown Lands Act in relation to its management of Balranald Caravan Park.
Lawyer Roslyn McCulloch has been appointed Commissioner to conduct the public inquiry. Ms McCulloch has nearly 30 years’ experience in local government and planning law and is an accredited specialist.
Initially she will establish the public inquiry’s procedures and outline the next steps. Councillors will remain in place during the public inquiry.
At the conclusion of the public inquiry the Commissioner will present a report to the Minister. The Commissioner may make such recommendations as she sees fit having regard to the findings of the public inquiry. The recommendations could include taking no action, issuing future PIOs or dismissing the council and appointing an administrator.