Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has used the floor of State Parliament to call on the Minister for Local Government to issue performance improvement orders to Shoalhaven City Council under section 438A of the Local Government Act 1993 to correct the precarious financial position of the council.
Mr Ward said, “Given concerns raised by the NSW Auditor General, costs blow-outs, contracts signed with shelf companies, a growing structural deficit and significant increases in General Fund debt, I’m asking the Minister for Local Government to apply the same approach as was adopted toward Kiama Council.
“Just as the orders in Kiama have assisted, I believe a similar approach is necessary in the Shoalhaven.”
Mr Ward said, ” The orders would provide the guidance and direction required and external oversight and force to necessitate a change of direction.”
He is not calling for the council’s sacking and said, ” I wouldn’t want to deprive the community of that opportunity at the September Local Government elections.
