Shoalhaven Action Campaign

Media Release - 12 September 2008

John Fergusson, who is standing as a Mayoral candidate in the Shoalhaven Council elections with the support of the Shoalhaven Action Campaign, has outlined the approach he would take as Mayor.

“It’s quite simple. Council must follow the rules – the rules laid down by the Local Government Act and the rules laid down in Council’s own policies.

“All too often we see the Minister for Local Government intervening because Council is breaching the Act. This seriously undermines Council’s leadership role and sets a poor example. It’s  bad for the citizens and bad for potential investors in the City,” Mr Fergusson said.

“Council also have a poor record in following its own policies. Ad-hoc decision making and continual variation to policy do not provide any certainty.  Council, generally, has good policies which need to be reviewed at regular intervals, such as every 5 years. They do not need to be undermined on a monthly basis.

“Should I be elected as Mayor I would ensure that Elected Council act like a board of directors and provide proper governance. There would be no interference in the day-to-day activities of professional staff as has been the case with the current Council. We will see a return to a Council that all can be proud of and I would support a forum for citizens to provide a regular review of Council’s performance.