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Final municipal monitor report delivered to South Gippsland Shire Council

South Gippsland Shire Council received a copy of the final municipal monitor report this week.

By news@gippsland - 13th January 2023 - Back to News

The report was compiled by Prue Digby who was appointed by the Victorian government to monitor governance processes and councillor conduct at South Gippsland Shire Council. The 12-month appointment was made following the dismissal of the previously elected council and a period of Administration.

Cr Clare Williams, Deputy Mayor and Cr Nathan Hersey, South Gippsland Mayor

Making significant effort

Ms Digby's report provided a glowing endorsement for the new council and stated that "Council has made a significant effort to rebuild the community's trust that the council can provide good democratic leadership."

"Council has demonstrated that they are not only capable, but determined to, perform their statutory role effectively and provide good governance for the community of South Gippsland." Ms Digby said.

She ended the report by stating that she did not have "any recommendations for the Minister with respect to the future governance of South Gippsland Shire" and thanked the councillors, Chief Executive Officer and staff for their cooperation and openness.

Building connection and trust

Ms Digby said, "The report was accompanied by a letter from the Hon Melissa Horne, minister for local government, who said, "Council has formed a strong team that is capable of and determined to perform its statutory role and provide good governance for the community."

"In particular, the council is to be commended for its efforts to induct and support the professional development of councillors, build connection and trust between councillors and the administration, and to engage with its community." The monitor said. The monitor's insights and council's good practice examples will now be shared to the sector by local government Victoria.

Heading in the right direction

Cr Nathan Hersey, Mayor South Gippsland Shire Council said, "It is immensely pleasing to read the municipal monitor's report which confirms that our council is heading in the right direction. As a councillor group we have ensured we are available to our local community to listen to feedback and concerns whilst being actively engaged. We have been out in the community to ensure that the decisions we take are considered and informed."

"Following our election to council, all councillors underwent a rigorous and thorough induction process focused on ensuring good governance. We took this training willingly because we were determined not to replicate the conduct and behaviours of the past."

"Knowing that this Transition Program will now be shared across the local government sector to help induct future councillors is encouraging news and a credit to council staff." Cr Hersey said.

Invested in working together

Kerryn Ellis, CEO South Gippsland Shire Council said, "Receiving such a positive municipal monitor's report is terrific news for South Gippsland. It is a credit to all of the councillors, and to our staff, and provides a fitting way to close a disappointing chapter in council's history.

"To have our councillor induction program and associated supporting processes and systems identified as best practice in Victoria, with a recommendation that they be shared across the sector, is a terrific recognition of the quality of the work we are doing here in South Gippsland."

"The municipal monitor's report shows that we have moved forward and that we have a new council who are invested in working together for the betterment of South Gippsland. I am proud to see how far we have come and excited to see what lies ahead for our organisation and our region." Ms Ellis said.

Pictures from Cr Clare Williams Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com