Council
10 October, 2025
Silenced: Council says NO to The Southern Wire
Wingecarribee Shire Council is refusing to engage with The Southern Wire, raising further concerns about local government transparency.
Wingecarribee Shire Council is refusing to engage with The Southern Wire raising further concerns about local government transparency.
Council’s media department has indicated that dealing with the region’s newest and most comprehensive media outlet is a waste of resources.
Instead, it has provided a list of media outlets it is prepared to deal with “directly” and has told The Southern Wire to direct any further enquiries through its Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system.
Council has advised it works directly with ABC Illawarra, 2ST, Highlands FM, WIN News and the Southern Highlands News – but not with The Southern Wire, despite the fact that The Southern Wire has consistently reported on council issues.
Council has said: “Council’s current communication resources enable direct engagement only with accredited media outlets that are registered with and/or meet ACMA standards and well-established media outlets. This approach supports the accurate and consistent reporting of information and supports the efficient use of council resources.”
The Southern Wire employs experienced and award-winning journalists with extensive local government experience.