It has also given Cr Garry Turland a rap on the knuckles for "misrepresenting" discussions he had with the DLG and was "disappointed" that Mayor Juliet Arkwright publically revealed disclosed details of a conversation she had with the DLG.

The 2012/16 council has, to date, not been known for its harmonious relationships and a clearly defined five-four division formed from the outset.

In April this year, the DLG labelled conduct of some councillors as "indicative of dysfunction" after some councillors walked out of a meeting.

In a report on the council (Promoting Better Practice Review) the DLG found issues of poor relationships between councillors and staff, councillor interference in operational matters and a rise in the number of Code of Conduct complaints in the Wingecarribee.

The DLG devised an Action Plan to help resolve the issues, however, chief executive Ross Woodward in a letter to general manager Jason Gordon on August 18, said the DLG was concerned that it took the council two months to endorse the plan.

The DLG was also concerned that a mediation session for councillors was not taking place until the end of December.

"Ultimately, it is not within the division's power to compel Wingecarribee councillors as individuals and as members of the governing body to work effectively and constructively together.

"This is something that only Wingecarribee Council and each of its individual members can achieve.

"The council has a responsibility to its community to do so."

Acting general manager Ann Prendergast said the dates suggested by the DLG would be adhered to.

"Mediation sessions have been booked to suit both councillor's and mediator's availability. It is not appropriate to comment on councillor issues."

Meanwhile, in a separate letter addressed to newly elected Mayor, Juliet Arkwright, Mr Woodward claimed Cr Turland had "misrepresented" and "misused" the DLG's advice on a matter during the August 14 council meeting.

Mr Woodward said he was equally disappointed with Cr Arkwright for disclosing the contents of a private discussion she had with the DLG.

"The division has devoted significant time and resources to assisting the council to overcome the challenges it faces," Mr Woodward said in the letter.

"I am concerned, however, that this advice is being misrepresented by a number of persons within the council."

The letter said that all communication between the DLG and councillors and staff must now be made in writing.

Cr Arkwright said she accepted the criticisms of the DLG and that "it could be said that certain councillors have tried to use the DLG for their own agenda".

"I have great respect for Mr Woodward and he is entitled to feel put out that certain councillors are trying to manipulate his officers for one's own purposes," she said.

"Im sure this has happed in other councils and might continue to happen, so it is a clear demonstration that Wingecarribee councillors cannot assume that Mr Woodward and the DLG are naive enough to allow this sought of behaviour to continue.

"It emphasises the points that I made at Wednesday's Mayoral election: that all personal agendas need to be sent aside and we unite in good faith to make the well being of the Shire our only agenda."

Cr Turland did not respond to SHN enquiries.