Letters to the Editor
27 September, 2025
Letter to the Editor
Stuart Carless’ report on the renewed 5 year contract for the Wollondilly CEO raises an interesting comparison to the Wingecarribee General Manager renewed contract.
Dear Editor
Stuart Carless’ report on the renewed 5 year contract for the Wollondilly CEO raises an interesting comparison to the Wingecarribee General Manager renewed contract.
The similarity is that the renewal is both for 5 years. One would naturally assume that their performance level is comparable.
However, the facts tell a different story.
In Wingecarribee, the Mayor was absent from the meeting, due to an injury from a reciprocating saw.
The Local Government Act 1993 is clear that the responsibility for the running of Council is shared by both the Mayor and General Manager. The duty rests on both their shoulders.
It is curious that the General Manager’s contract was renewed without the Mayor’s participation? Although Councillor Sara Moylan requested that the discussion be delayed until the Mayor was present, the meeting went ahead regardless.
Unable to physically attend due to injury, in today’s world, why could the Mayor not join by Zoom?
In Wollondilly, Councillors voted unanimously.
In Wingecarribee, by contrast, 2 Councillors opposed the contract renewal, leaving many residents perplexed.
The DA performance comparisons are stark.
In Wollondilly, the Development Application (DA) Average Assessment Days is 67.
In Wingecarribee, DA Average Assessment Days is 235 – the lowest performance in NSW.
In Wollondilly, the percentage of DAs lodgement performance meeting expectation is 68%.
In Wingecarribee, it is only 11%.
In Wollondilly, the 2024 financial year closed with a total comprehensive income of $78 450 000.
Wingecarribee just recorded $29 945 000.
Yet, both officers got a 5 year contract renewal. What is going on?
- Dr Raymond Khoury PhD, Colo ValeDear Editor
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