Previous Moira Shire Deputy Mayor and current Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy has had his say on the dismissal of council, stating that on the whole it had functioned “adequately”.
Mr McCurdy who served on council over a decade ago said dismissing a democratically elected body is never a decision that should be taken lightly or done without the express interests of the constituents.
“But as always, the people within the Moira shire, the people within the employment of the Moira shire, and those that are elected to govern need to be protected and safe,” Mr McCurdy said.
“Like all councils in Victoria, things have not always been right in the Moira Shire, and there have been headlines over the past eight to ten years which have indicated little issues bubbling away under the surface.
“The report tabled in Parliament has many concerning points, and also has clear recommendations which will be implemented in due course by the appointed administrators.
“I can assure the residents of Moira Shire that I will continue to represent their needs to the panel of administrators when they are appointed.”
Mr McCurdy, who spoke in Parliament last Tuesday on the matter, said there had been issues with council for several years but issues could be fixed sooner than the scheduled 2028 timeframe with the five-year administration “excessive”.
“The delaying of elections until 2028 is in my view, excessive, and deprives the ratepayers an opportunity to democratically elect their local government representatives,” Mr McCurdy said.
“This is not an ideal situation, and many people have been put in unfair positions. “However, I know that change will happen, and that the Moira Shire will return to serving the ratepayers in a way that ensures their interests are protected, and that everyone will feel safe going to work.”
Mr McCurdy was also reported to say that the writing is on the wall for Moira Shire CEO Clare Keenan after the report uncovered damning evidence against her governance.
Although presenting the report to the Minister who was able to sack the council, the Commission did not have the power to stand down Ms Keenan however the administrator that has been appointed does with the option looking highly likely.