The Andrews Labor Government has appointed three long-term administrators to restore good governance and operations at Central Goldfields Shire Council.
Minister for Local Government Marlene Kairouz announced the appointments today to address a wide range of failures within council.
Mr Noel Harvey, the Hon Hugh Delahunty and Ms Karen Douglas have been appointed until the next general council elections in October 2020, with Mr Harvey to take on the role of Chairperson.
Mr Harvey is a former Mayor and councillor for the Shire of Kyneton and the Shire of Macedon Ranges and the former Chief Commissioner for the Shire of Hepburn.
He has also held a number of previous board positions, including as a member of the Central Goldfields Library Corporation from 1995 to 2003.
Mr Delahunty is a former councillor for both Horsham Rural City Council and Horsham City Council, where he also served as Mayor for two terms. He was Victoria’s Minister for Sport and Recreation (2010-14) and Minister for Veteran’s Affairs (2010-2014).
Ms Douglas has extensive experience advocating for regional communities through her 10 years as a councillor for Northern Grampians Council, including four as Mayor.
The panel of administrators will also ensure issues important to ratepayers are acknowledged, with both Mr Delahunty and Ms Douglas bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge of farming and rural affairs to the role.
The three-year appointment period will allow the administrators to properly embed best practice within council to ensure it is functioning to its full capacity by 2020.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Marlene Kairouz
“This is a big turning point for ratepayers in Central Goldfields, who will now get the level of governance and service they deserve.”
“These administrators have the skills and experience to lead the council and will be a strong voice for locals until the next election.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020