The NSW Government has today suspended Wingecarribee Shire Council and appointed Interim Administrator Mr Viv May PSM for a three-month period.
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Minister for Local Government The Hon Shelley Hancock MP made the decision to suspend council after considering its submission in response to a notice of intention received on March 3.
The suspension follows ongoing concerns raised about dysfunction amongst the elected representatives.
Wingecarribee Shire Council's Acting General Manager John Burgess said the suspension of the council and appointment of an interim administrator would not affect the delivery of council services to ratepayers and residents.
"From the public's point of view, it will be business as usual except that the interim administrator will replace the elected councillors," he said.
"Council services and facilities will continue to operate as per normal.
"Council's executive team looks forward to welcoming Mr May and working together to restore our community's trust in the effective functioning of their council."
Prior to this afternoon's notification of suspension, council received notification of the resignation of Councillor Garry Turland effective immediately.
It is the second resignation this week, Ken Halstead resigned from Wingecarribee Shire Council on March 9 at the Extraordinary Meeting of Council.
In a statement to the Southern Highland News Garry Turland said he suspected councillors would be suspended today.
"Nobody takes responsibility for their mistakes," he said.
"I am outraged and frustrated for anyone who will apply for a development application in this period."
For more information on the suspension visit www.olg.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/wingecarribee-shire-council-suspended.
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