A public inquiry looms closer for the embattled Wingecarribee Shire Council.
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After days of speculation from the community and a joint statement from two MPs, Wingecarribee Shire Council's interim administrator Viv May has made his intention clear.
In his administrators minute, Mr May said he had stated on several occasions that he did not support a public inquiry.
"Circumstances have changed," he said.
"I give notice to the community that it is my intention in the final report to recommend for the Minister of Local Government, Shelley Hancock to consider a public inquiry under section 438u of the Act into Wingecarribee Shire Council be held.
"In my first minute in March, residents were assured that I would do my best to independently serve in an honest, open and transparent way ensuring all voices are heard," he said.
"The law is the law but in my view the return of the suspended council is untenable."
Mr May said the former council had failed the community it was meant to serve in the exercise of its functions, provisions of core services, decision making, community participation, financial management and its responsibilities in relation to integrated planning and reporting.
"I am conscious that it could impact on the elections to be held in December, but the matter is too important for the future of the shire given the current circumstances," he said.
Independent candidate for Wingecarribee Shire Council Rachel Russell said she supported Mr May's statement, even if it meant she had to campaign for another year.
"It's good news for the community," she said.
"There's a lot more to be unearthed and we need the best result for the community. Hopefully, a lot of the mismanagement and governance issues will be sorted out.
"It's justice for the community."
Jane Crowley who is running an independent ticket called 'Let's Get it Right' said she hoped Viv May's good work would not be undone.
"I call on all residents of our shire to write to the Minister for Local Government and voice our objections to the suspended council being brought back," she said.
Greens Candidate Heather Champion said the community would be disappointed if the suspended councillors returned.
"It's very disappointing and there are serious and reasonable objections from the community," she said.
"I hope that we can continue focusing on the opportunity for positive change that the election offers us."
Suspended councillor and independent candidate Ian Scandrett told the Southern Highland News he was delighted with Mr May's recommendation.
"This will mean the election in December will not proceed," he said.
"This is a great result for all of the community and will enable a full reset across the community."
An update to the Frequently Asked Questions document on the Office of Local Government's website said the Minister Hancock's position regarding Wingecarribee Shire Council had not been finalised.
"The Minister is waiting on the interim report from the administrator," the update read.
Do you think there should be a public inquiry into Wingecarribee Shire Council? Have your say below.
Vera Demertzis
Journalist at the Southern Highland News covering council yarns and community news. Got a tip or a story to tell? Email vera.demertzis@southernhighlandnews.com.au or call on 0427 250 908.
Journalist at the Southern Highland News covering council yarns and community news. Got a tip or a story to tell? Email vera.demertzis@southernhighlandnews.com.au or call on 0427 250 908.
