Council Receives Performance Improvement Order
Published on 20 September 2024
Council Receives Performance Improvement Order to Ensure Continued Positive Legacy and Strong Governance
Wingecarribee Shire Council Administrator, Mr Viv May has confirmed that the Minister for Local Government, the Hon. Ron Hoenig MP, has now formally served a Performance Improvement Order (PIO) on the Council that will operate for the next 12 months.
Minister Hoenig noted that having considered all the information available to him he had formed the view that action must be taken to ensure there is no loss to the improvement of Council’s performance as it transitions out of Administration.
The Minister has advised he has decided to issue a PIO to establish clear expectations around Council’s performance over the next 12 months.
The Minister noted that it was important the newly elected body works with the Council’s General Manager and staff to ensure compliance with the terms of the PIO.
The PIO's issuance was based on several key factors, including:
Financial Discipline and Sustainability: Maintaining budget discipline and ensuring financial sustainability, particularly in light of Council's new infrastructure projects and ongoing operational costs.
Access to Expertise and Engagement: Ensuring Council has access to appropriate staff expertise and engagement to provide secure advice on financial, governance, and regulatory matters.
Strong Governance Processes: Maintaining robust governance processes to give staff confidence in providing the best advice and options for service delivery, infrastructure investment, and planning decisions.
Strategic Decision-Making: Ensuring that Council's strategic priorities are aligned with clear cost considerations and supporting strategies.
Implementation of Glover Enquiry Recommendations: Continuing to deliver and implement the changes recommended by the Glover enquiry.
Following an invitation from the Minister, arrangements have been made for Mr Brett Whitworth, Deputy Secretary, Office of Local Government to discuss the PIO with Councillors at their second onboarding session on 16 October 2024.
The PIO will be formally listed for information at the meeting of Council scheduled for 30 October 2024 and a copy has been placed on Council’s website: https://www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/1/news/september-2024/wsc-performance-improvement-order-190924.pdf