News Update
3 September 2021
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 Interim Administrator welcomes Public Inquiry
Wingecarribee Shire Council’s Interim Administrator Viv May has welcomed the news that a Public Inquiry be held into the affairs of Wingecarribee Shire Council.
The Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock announced the Public Inquiry on Wednesday 1 September.
“Credit for the Minister’s decision must go to the many residents who worked tirelessly to expose the perceived failures of both the elected body and former executive,” he said.
The Minister has appointed barrister Mr Ross Glover as Commissioner to oversee the Public Inquiry. Councillors will remain suspended throughout the Public Inquiry and Mr May will stay onboard as Interim Administrator.
The Shire’s already postponed local government elections will also be deferred.
Mr May assured ratepayers Council would fully cooperate with the Public Inquiry.
“I am committed to supporting the General Manager as she builds a professional organisation in which the Shire’s community can have confidence, respect and trust,” he added.
Mr May acknowledged staff for their contributions and assistance with ongoing independent reviews, audits and additional demands.
Read the full statement from Council’s Interim Administrator and the terms of reference for the Public Inquiry at wsc.nsw.gov.au
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L-R: Mr Geoff King, Ms Carmel Foster and Ms Karin Targa
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Meet our incoming Directors
We’re excited to welcome three Directors to our team.
Mr Geoff King has been appointed Director Communities and Place, Ms Carmel Foster Director Corporate Strategy and Resourcing and Ms Karin Targa Director Service Delivery and Projects.
Their appointments are part of our newly revised Council structure which was adopted in July.
Together the trio bring an extensive wealth and breadth of local and state government and private enterprise experience to Council.
We look forward to welcoming them at Council and the positive impact they’ll impart across our Shire.
All three Directors are expected to commence in October.
Read the media release
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 Tulip Time goes virtual
Flower enthusiasts will be able to take a virtual tour of Bowral’s Corbett Gardens later this month when Tulip Time goes virtual for the first time in its 60-year history.
Planted back in May, this year’s floral displays pay tribute to the festival's Diamond Anniversary celebrations.
A video will be filmed at the height of the blossoms and shared online in mid-September for everyone to enjoy from the comfort of their own homes.
While Corbett Gardens will remain open to the public throughout the months of September and October, the event will not feature any traditional stalls or entertainment.
If you’re interested in attending, we’ve got COVID safe measures in place to help keep everyone safe. Read our media release at media.wsc.nsw.gov.au.
We understand these are difficult times, but so is the financial struggle after a cancer diagnosis.
If you have the means to pitch in and donate to our 2021 Charity Partner, Can Assist Southern Highlands, you’ll be making a positive difference to families right here in our Shire.
Donate now
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 "Why did you cut that tree down?"
Our Shire is renowned for its open green spaces and diversity of native and exotic trees.
Maintaining our street trees is essential for a long and healthy life. Our staff regularly inspect, treat and prune street trees.
Like all living organisms, trees have a finite life and sadly, sometimes we need to remove them. This may happen for a variety of reasons including disease, insect attack or safety if the tree presents a hazard or is nearing the end of its life.
But sometimes the reason may not appear obvious to the naked eye.
Take for example the trees in the above image. They were removed this week from the Oxley Mall carpark in Bowral.
Staff from our tree management team identified signs of stress and following closer inspection the trees were found to be suffering from severe fungal decay. Total failure of the trees was imminent.
Fear not, replacement Linden trees will soon stand in their place.
View our Street Tree Masterplan
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 Calling local sustainability champions
We’re looking to partner with people and businesses who help drive sustainable living in an online video series set to air early next year.
Sustainable living means prioritising the use of natural and renewable resources to protect and improve our environment.
Individuals, groups, organisations and businesses are invited to share their stories and help inspire others.
Simply fill out the Expression of Interest form on our website and we’ll be in touch to discuss.
Nominations close Friday 17 September with filming scheduled to start shortly thereafter.
Nominate here
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Community Update
Council's weekly Community Update is now ready. Inside you'll find information on positions vacant, development and planning matters, public notices and more.
Click here to view
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Did you know...
Earlier this week we welcomed the Independent Planning Commission's decision to block plans for a new coal mine in Berrima.
Learn why it was refused
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