Two municipalities in Tasmania’s south could continue without elected representatives for at least six months after announcements made by local government minister Peter Gutwein on Monday.
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Mr Gutwein is considering extending the suspension of the Glenorchy City Council aldermen for another six months from August 8.
In a letter to the aldermen the minister said he was not convinced it was in the community’s best interest to reinstate the council.
“I have received [correspondence] from members of the Glenorchy community who are concerned about restoring members of the council back to office before the Board of Inquiry report is finalised,” he said.
Mr Gutwein invited the aldermen to provide submissiosn to him as to why he should or should not extend the suspension.
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Meanwhile the commissioner for the Huon Valley Council, Adriana Taylor, has had her role extended for another 12 months.
She was appointed to restore stability to the municipality following a Board of Inquiry and the subsequent dismissal of the Huon Valley councillors.
“Commissioner Taylor has worked diligently and professionally and has received strong, positive feedback from the community for her work,” Mr Gutwein said.
“To provide a newly elected council with the best chance to succeed it is important that the new general manager and staff have the time to ensure that these new arrangements are embedded solidly into the culture of the council.”
He said the government was confident the Huon Valley community would be able to participate in the local government elections scheduled for October 2018.