Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman and Member for Wollondilly Nathaniel Smith have called on the Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock to urgently issue a performance improvement order for Wingecarribee Shire Council.
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"In light of the minister issuing a notice of intention to issue a PIO, I have heard from countless residents across the shire who have expressed grave concerns about the dysfunction within council," Mr Smith said.
"The local community is entitled to expect the highest standards of leadership and conduct from its elected representatives, especially in these challenging times with the impacts of COVID-19 and bushfires."
Mrs Tuckerman said the personal animosity and bullying between individuals is permeating through the organisation and was impacting, not just morale, but actual performance of the council.
"Our region and our communities expect and deserve much better from their local council," Mrs Tuckerman said.
"That's why we're calling on the minister to urgently issue a performance improvement order."
A PIO seeks to address performance issues, the long-term division and conflict among councillors and the associated reputational and work, health and safety risks.
Mrs Tuckerman said "we must immediately begin the process to ensure the Wingecarribee Council are meeting the expectation their communities demand, that's why we want the minister to proceed with the order immediately".
The notice of intent to issue PIO was issued to council on August 19, with council responding to the notice of intent on August 25, 2020.
The members are hosting an online petition available here: https://forms.gle/7xZ5LhWpJfL4ssgU7 and encourage all residents to make sure their voices are heard.
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