Balranald Shire is a
local government area in the
Riverina
The Riverina
is an agricultural region of south-western New South Wales, Australia. The Riverina is distinguished from other Australian regions by the combination of flat plains, warm to hot climate and an ample supply of water for irrigation ...
area of western
New South Wales
)
, nickname =
, image_map = New South Wales in Australia.svg
, map_caption = Location of New South Wales in AustraliaCoordinates:
, subdivision_type = Country
, subdivision_name = Australia
, established_title = Before federation
, es ...
,
Australia on the
Sturt Highway. It is the location of
World Heritage
A World Heritage Site is a landmark or area with legal protection by an international convention administered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). World Heritage Sites are designated by UNESCO for ...
listed
Mungo National Park
Mungo National Park is a protected national park that is located in south-western New South Wales, in eastern Australia. The national park is situated approximately west of Sydney in the Balranald Shire. Mungo National Park is the traditio ...
. It includes the towns of
Balranald
Balranald is a town within the local government area of Balranald Shire, in the Riverina district of New South Wales, Australia.
The town of Balranald is located where the Sturt Highway crosses the Murrumbidgee River in a remote, semi-deser ...
and
Euston. Other localities in the Shire include
Kyalite
Kyalite is a locality on the Wakool River in the Riverina district of the Australian state of New South Wales. It is part of Balranald Shire and is approximately south west of the state capital Sydney and north west of Melbourne. Kyalite was ...
,
Hatfield,
Penarie,
Clare and
Oxley Oxley may refer to:
Places
Australia
Australian Capital Territory
* Oxley, Australian Capital Territory is a suburb of Canberra, Australia
Queensland
*Oxley, Queensland is a suburb of Brisbane, Australia
** Oxley railway station, Brisba ...
.
As of 29 January 2020, the Balranald Shire Council Mayor and elected members were dismissed by NSW local government minister
Shelley Hancock
Shelley Elizabeth Hancock (born 14 November 1951), an Australian politician. Hancock has been a Liberal Member of the Legislative Assembly seat of South Coast since 2003.
Hancock previously served as the thirtieth Speaker of the New South Wa ...
, after the recommendations of the report of commissioner
Roslyn McCulloch.
Mike Colreavy has been appointed the administrator until local council elections in 2024.
[Administrator appointed to Balranald Shire Council]
New South Wales Office of LocalGovernment 29 January 2020
Demographics
Council
Current composition and election method
The Balranald Shire Council is currently under administration, as of 29 January 2020. NSW local government minister
Shelley Hancock
Shelley Elizabeth Hancock (born 14 November 1951), an Australian politician. Hancock has been a Liberal Member of the Legislative Assembly seat of South Coast since 2003.
Hancock previously served as the thirtieth Speaker of the New South Wa ...
accepted the recommendations of the report created by commissioner
Roslyn McCulloch.
Local Government Minister
Shelley Hancock
Shelley Elizabeth Hancock (born 14 November 1951), an Australian politician. Hancock has been a Liberal Member of the Legislative Assembly seat of South Coast since 2003.
Hancock previously served as the thirtieth Speaker of the New South Wa ...
accepted the recommendation from the independent commissioner of the public inquiry to dismiss the council's mayor and councillors and appoint an administrator to address financial and structural issues.
The report, which has been tabled in Parliament, found:
• The council has failed to command the confidence of its community
• Councillors have failed to appreciate the need for sound and consistent financial principles, with division among councillors affecting decision making;
• An absence of understanding by councillors of the importance of transparency in decision making, including inappropriate closure of council meetings;
• The council has failed to act as a responsible employer, particularly regarding the interaction between councillors and council staff, resulting in the loss of valuable personnel; and
• The council has failed to comply with its obligations as Reserve Trust Manager under the Crown Lands Act in relation to Balranald Caravan Park.
"I have not taken the decision to dismiss the council lightly", Mrs Hancock said.
"The ratepayers of Balranald Shire deserve a strong council that is representing the best interests of the community.
"I have accepted the recommendation by Commissioner Roslyn McCulloch to dismiss the elected representatives and appoint an administrator to perform the role of the mayor and councillors until 2024.
"This course of action will provide the best possible way to strengthen the operation, performance and sustainability of the council and ensure it is serving the best interests of the local community".
Mike Colreavy has been appointed administrator of Balranald Shire Council. Mr Colreavy has 37 years' experience in the local government sector at metropolitan, regional and rural councils including holding various general manager positions.
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]
Localities
References
External links
*
Local government areas of the Riverina
{{Riverina-geo-stub