The Yarra City Council will soon be appointed a municipal monitor to help guide good governance, amid concerns regarding the Council’s ability to make decisions in the interests of the local community.
Victorian Minister for Local Government, Shaun Leane, said, “Municipal monitors have a good track record in Victoria in guiding councils to deliver good governance so that they can better serve their communities, who deserve the very best from their elected representatives.
“I look forward to seeing Yarra City Council shift its focus to the priorities and challenges facing the local community, led by its newly elected mayor and with the support of the monitor.”
The municipal monitor will be finalised in coming weeks, and will also provide regular reports to Mr Leaneon the Yarra City Council’s progress and recommend any further actions.
Council officers have raised broader concerns with the department about the council’s governance, which has also been subject to widespread media coverage.
For instance, the Yarra City Council recently elected a new mayor, after three previous meetings during which it was unable to do so in accordance with the Local Government Act 2020, which requires an absolute majority to ensure mayors have the support to perform their role.
The State Government said the municipal monitor appointment is designed to help the council to stay on track, and will guide the councillors on the performance of their functions, including the appointment of a new permanent Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
