FOR the first time in more than a decade, Central Darling Shire will hold an ballot where residents and ratepayers will get a chance to have a say in who their municipal councillors.
The troubled shire, which has been in administration since 2013, have received $6 million in funding from the New South Wales Government for two years assist the council in achieving long term financial stability.
The money will go towards capacity building and local government services as well as infrastructure projects.
Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig, and Member for Barwon, Roy Butler, visited the Central Darling Shire Council at Wilcannia on Wednesday to provide updates on the municipality’s future.
Six will people will form the new council, three elected by the community and three appointed by the Minister for Local Government.
The structure is seeking to create local representation and stable governance are balanced.
The new council will be also be designated the state’s first rural and remote council since legislation was passed last year.
Despite the Central Darling Shire being the largest council geographically in the state, it also has one of the smallest populations with less than 2000 residents.
Mr Butler, said this new council will be a “positive step” for the shire.
“It’s a first positive step back towards democratic representation, but it marks a significant change for Central Darling after more than a decade in administration,” he said.
“This model has the capacity to change to allow more elected representatives in the future. It’s success will depend on the community getting behind it and getting involved.”
Mr Hoenig said kay issues in the municipality been neglected for too long.
“For far too long, the task of bringing Central Darling Shire Council out of administration was put in the too hard basket,” he said.
“With an election date now set, we are another step closer to returning elected representation for the communities of the Shire.”
