The Victorian Government has extended the appointments of municipal monitors at Kingston Council for six months, a move that could cost ratepayers more than $300,000.
Minister for Local Government Nick Staikos said the decision followed an interim report by monitors John Tanner and John Watson highlighting “ongoing concerns at the council” around governance.
The appointments, originally made after complaints from two Labor-aligned councillors, have drawn criticism from community members and the council.
Mayor Georgina Oxley said the report had not been shared with council leadership and questioned why ratepayers should cover the monitors’ fees, which can reach $1,540 per day plus expenses.
Despite reservations, Cr Oxley said council would continue to cooperate with the monitors, as the government maintains the appointments are intended to strengthen governance and accountability.
A Victorian Government spokesperson said a final report from the municipal monitors would be provided to the council and published on the Local Government Victoria website in due course.
Source: Herald Sun.
