Interim administrator Viv May has welcomed the Minister of Local Government Shelley Hancock's decision to hold a public inquiry.
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Mr May said credit for the minister's decision went to the many residents who worked tirelessly to expose the perceived failures of both the elected body, former executive and the arrogance of some who did not follow their "clearly stated guiding principles and responsibilities concerning the exercise of functions generally, decision making and community participation."
"In my outreach visits residents and organisations placed their trust and confidence in me and it was from this honest and frank dialogue that many of my actions and conclusions were drawn," he said.
"I would also like to acknowledge the openness of staff in exposing issues and for their assistance with the independent reviews and audits. I am very conscious of the fact that there are many vacancies in the organisation and the extra demands of working in a COVID- 19 world.
"Be assured that you have contributed to Wingecarribee Shire Council being a much better place in which to work and becoming an employer of choice."
Mr May said the council not listening was a feature of the past and the voice of the community had been heard by the minister.
"On a personal note I am determined to see this through and thank the minister for her confidence in my reappointment," he said.
"While undertaking my statutory role without fear or favour, I am committed to supporting the general manager as she builds a professional organisation in which the shire's community can have confidence, respect and trust.
"Importantly, when elections are held, Councillors will be able to develop a strong partnership with an administration providing clear, transparent and consistent advice."
Mr May said residents, ratepayers and staff could be assured of the council's total co-operation with the public inquiry.
"When the call for submissions is released, and if you have an experience that will assist (and I have heard so many), I encourage you to come forward," he said.
"The rebuild of Wingecarribee Shire Council is well underway and the Public Inquiry can only add value to that process helping to ensure that the community has a council that is serving its best interests."
In a surprising twist, suspended Wingecarribee Shire Council mayor Duncan Gair said he supported the public inquiry.
Mr Gair previously told the Southern Highland News that he believed a public inquiry wasn't "necessary."
However, he has now thrown his support behind Minister Hancock's decision.
"I have changed my position to a fair degree," he said.
"The public inquiry is specific. It is not to do with buildings, civic centres or swimming pools, it is to do with councillors interactions.
"The way I have interpreted it is that it is specifically aimed at councillors and their behaviour and the interference in planning matters and operational matters.
Mr Gair said the public inquiry could help "clear the air" between councillors, council staff and the public.
"All in all what I think it will do is clear the air of all the innuendo and finger-pointing from the public and other councillors," he said.
"I wish it didn't have to happen, but I support the inquiry."
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