Wingecarribee Shire Council has officially been issued a notice of intention to issue a Performance Improvement Order by the Minister of Local Government, Hon Shelley Hancock MP.
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"Yesterday I issued a Notice of Intention to issue a Performance Improvement Order (PIO) to Wingecarribee Shire Council," she said.
"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," Ms Hancock said.
"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."
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