Wingecarribee Shire Council’s Administrator, Viv May PSM, has released his End of Term Report, providing a comprehensive overview of the progress made during his three-anda-half-year tenure and the areas that will require ongoing focus.
Viv May was appointed as Interim Administrator in March 2021, following the suspension of the elected Council and then Administrator following the subsequent dismissal in July 2022.
In the absence of an elected body, the Administrator was tasked in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 with performing all the functions, powers and duties of the Council; effectively acting as the Mayor and Councillors.
Under Administrator May’s leadership, the Shire has successfully restored good governance, improved service delivery and strengthened communication with the community.
Key achievements include:
Restored trust and confidence: Rebuilt relationships with the community and established transparent decision-making processes.
Improved financial management including strengthened financial controls and implemented cost-saving measures, enhanced community engagement: Increased opportunities for community participation and feedback.
Delivered essential services and provided high-quality services to residents despite facing challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and extreme weather events.
“I have fulfilled a critical role in helping to rebuild trust and confidence within the community.
This has been achieved by providing honest, consistent and transparent decision making and delivering genuine engagement opportunities,” said Mr May.
By working closely with the community and partnering with a new General Manager, legacy issues have been prioritised, reconnecting with the Community and delivering best value service.
The administration of Wingecarribee Shire Council will officially conclude following the local government elections on 14 September 2024 and declaration of the poll later in the month.
The report highlights the need for realism in the Shire’s future planning and while Mr May has often criticised past approaches during his term, he expressed confidence that the foundations have now been laid for a Council that all residents can be proud.
While Mr May concedes in the report that there are still many challenges and matters to be addressed from the Public Inquiry he said, “In my view, the Shire is ready for elections and a new era of political leadership”.
The Administrator’s End of Term Report is a valuable resource for understanding the progress made during this period and the challenges faced by the Shire. It provides insights into the future direction of Wingecarribee Shire Council and the priorities for the incoming elected body.
To view the report online visit: https://www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/Council/Policies-Strategiesand Reports/Council-Reports A limited number of physical copies are also available to collect from the Customer Service desk at the Moss Vale Civic Centre and Bowral and Mittagong libraries.
