A peaceful rally has been organised to protest the selection of Wingecarribee Shire's next general manager before the September 4 election.
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The rally will be held on Saturday February 13, 2021 at Leighton Gardens, Moss Vale.
Event organiser Rachel Russell said she felt Wingecarribee Shire Council weren't listening to the public concerns despite people signing a petition to defer the selection of general manager.
"In my opinion, it's next level arrogance from the council," she said
"They are only there due to COVID pushing the election back. They are not in a position to attract the best person for the job.
"The council is not listening and we have such significant issues. We need a council that is proactive, not reactive."
Ms Russel said the general manager role was one of the most influential jobs in the Southern Highlands.
"The selection should be deferred until after September 4 so that a new council can choose a general manager to work with," she said.
"It's time for councillors to step back and give the spot to someone else."
Ms Russel said the protest is COVID safe, with registration taking place via trybooking. A QR code will also be available.
"We have people bringing music, banners, and their voices. We intend to shine a light on these issues and send a clear message in a way that does not disrupt our wider community as they go about their business," she said.
Friends of Wingecarribee president Adam Jacobson circulated a petition last week to call for the selection of the new general manager to be deferred.
"The petition is closed now," he said.
"But it did attract more than 500 signatures which will require a response from the minister."
Mr Jacobson said he was attending the rally as a private citizen and not in association with his role as president of Friends of Wingecarribee.
"I will be going personally," he said.
"It's very important to the community."
Mr Jacobson will be one of the guest speakers at the event. Ms Russell has confirmed she will be a candidate for the Wingecarribee Shire Council election and will also speak at the event. Another identified candidate, Sam Zilinskas will also speak.
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