Notice of Motion Calls for Review

Gore District Council deputy mayor Keith Hovell has reassured residents the Council is committed to providing the high level of governance expected from its elected representatives.

A notice of motion will be considered at next week’s Council meeting seeking an independent review and advice on restoring confidence in the governance leadership. The notice of motion is in response to confidential information from an in-committee meeting on 28 March being leaked and the breakdown in the relationship between the Chief Executive and Mayor.

Cr Hovell submitted the notice of motion last week. It was endorsed by eight other councillors - Richard McPhail, Glenys Dickson, Neville Phillips, Bronwyn Reid, Paul McPhail, Joe Stringer, Stewart MacDonell and John Gardyne

Councillors had not appreciated the extent of the breakdown in the relationship between the Chief Executive and the Mayor before the meeting on 28 March, Cr Hovell said.

“Councillors immediately responded by appointing an intermediary to improve communication between the mayoral office and staff.”

The meeting was held in committee as it related to employment matters. However, the information subsequently made its way into the public arena.

“We are not the first council to have information leaked, but that doesn’t make it any less disappointing.

“Trust among councillors and between councillors and staff is critical for any council to function successfully, as is good leadership from elected representatives.

“The appointment of an independent reviewer, who will provide recommendations for future actions, is an important next step in giving confidence to the community that improvements will be made, and the distractions caused by recent events will be left behind,” he said.