The Strathbogie Shire Council has been suspended for the remainder of its term and an interim administrator has been appointed to replace the elected members.
Strathbogie neighbours Mitchell Shire’s northern boundary, and includes towns such as Avenel, Nagambie and Euroa.
The suspension applies to all members of the council and is in effect from December 6 until the next local council elections in October 2024.
The council and councillors were provided with the opportunity to consider the monitor’s report and provide a response to Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne.
Ms Horne made the decision to suspend the council after considering the responses received from the council and individual councillors.
“Strathbogie residents deserve a council that serves their needs and it is clear from the work of two municipal monitors that a circuit-breaker is needed,” she said.
“The administrator will restore good governance so that local representatives can return in due course and properly fulfil their important roles.”
The responses showed the council had failed to fully appreciate and address the problems, which had resulted in the community receiving sub-standard service from its elected representatives.
Peter Stephenson, who was appointed to monitor council in May, has now been appointed Strathbogie Shire interim administrator to provide support and continuity to the shire’s operations.
A longer-term appointment will be made in due course to support the restoration of good governance to the shire.
Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said there had been uncertainty around Ms Horne’s original decision, which coupled with poor local governance, had left residents in the dark.
“This decision, albeit delayed, is a step in the right direction towards ensuring residents of the Strathbogie Shire are governed effectively and with their best interests in mind,” she said.
“When you are in a position of leadership, you have to find ways to work together to serve the people you are elected to represent – that is the job.
“I hope the fallout from this decision inspires a new generation of would-be councillors to step up at the next council elections and I encourage anyone interested in making a difference for their local community to put their hands up for the role.”
To view a copy of the monitor’s report, visit localgovernment.vic.gov.au/council-governance/independent-reports.
