This move comes, following Cr David Fahey OAM’s Notice of Motion passed at the June extraordinary council meeting outlining the need for council to conduct a “health check”. Council resolved to take on the study, allocating $130,000 for the project.
With a tender of $125,000 Professor Drew was awarded the job and is expected to commence his work on-site in Corowa at the end of this month. Another bidder, the AEC Group, known for their study on Edward River Council's financial capacity, also submitted a proposal.
Professor Drew, who recently analysed the business case for Snowy Valleys Council's deamalgamation, will collaborate with community groups and council personnel, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive approach.
Former Greater Hume Shire general manager Steve Pinnuck of Mason Blackadder has been appointed as an external advisor and will play a crucial role in providing guidance and support to the council during the study.
At the extraordinary council meeting last Friday, discussions centred around the all-important terms of reference which will guide the process.
Cr Fahey’s basis for the terms of reference, outlined at the June ordinary meeting of council, included council boundaries, staffing levels, asset management, future financial sustainability, governance, strategic and operational performance- which will be worked on further by the councillors.
“I’d like to see as councillors that we are able to clearly state and ensure that we have robust terms of reference that reflect the communities wishes, and are clear on the outcomes that we want,” Cr Rowena Black said.
Mayor Bourke assured that there would be ample opportunity for community engagement throughout the process, highlighting the goal of conducting a holistic health check of the council's operations to address the concerns and need of all community members.
Cr Shaun Whitechurch suggested that the terms of reference should also consider both pre-merger conditions and the promises made during the amalgamation process.
“I think it’s important that we go back to pre-merger to see where both councils were, and then come into the merger on what was promised and was going to happen and how we got here…with suggestions on how we go forward,” he said.
Council has delegated Mayor Bourke the authority to assist council with finalising the terms of reference.
Professor Drew’s report is expected to be delivered in November, with Mayor Bourke hopeful that the findings can be discussed at a council meeting before the year's end.
