Friday, 12 June 2020
NORTHERN Tablelands MP Adam Marshall has welcomed the appointment of local government veteran Mr Viv May PSM, as the interim Administrator of Armidale Regional Council (ARC).
The NSW Government today Gazetted that the mayor and councillors would be suspended for a period of three months.
Mr Marshall said the appointment of an administrator, who has almost 50 years’ experience in local government, was the right decision in helping address the dysfunction within Council’s leadership.
“While this is a sad day for the Armidale Regional Council it is a much needed and positive step towards addressing the deep organisational and management issues which have plagued this term of council,” Mr Marshall said.
“I think Mr May’s experience as a former administrator of the suspended Auburn City Council and the new Cumberland Council in 2016, will be beneficial in making a path forward which sees effective and united leadership for the region and delivering for the local community.
“During my time in local government, I saw how vigorous Mr May was as a leader, and I know he won’t put up with anyone’s rubbish which is why he is the right person to fix the mess within this council – exactly what the community desperately wants.
“After the issues of drought, bushfire and COVID-19, the community deserves to have a Council which puts the interests of its people and businesses operators first, and which strives to create a thriving and prosperous community.
“Rebuilding the relationship between ARC and the rate-payers will take time, however I believe today’s appointment is the first step in once again creating that trust.
“While the suspension of the mayor and councillors is initially for three months, if necessary, that period can be extended a further three months (six months in total), should that be needed.
“I want to thank Minister for Local Government Shelly Hancock for he prompt action on this issue and hope, come September, this great region will again be in a position to charge towards prosperity with a unified front.”