GM asks for understanding, confirms current staff not at centre of concerns

City of Wagga Wagga General Manager Alan Eldridge has called on the community for understanding and patience following the release of information from an independent investigation into planning matters.

The investigation began in February following allegations made against a former senior Council staff member and initial findings were made public yesterday.

While further details are highly confidential due to legal professional privilege, Mr Eldridge has clarified there is no evidence any current staff are responsible for the legacy issues.

“I ask the community of Wagga Wagga to be patient while we work through and correct the issues of the past,” Mr Eldridge said.

“Current City of Wagga Wagga staff are not responsible for the problematic planning decisions uncovered by the investigation.

“While there are legal constraints around this matter, I believe it is important for the community’s trust in the organisation going forward that this is clarified. It is also most important to protect the morale and reputations of the staff in the planning team and I ask the community to give them a ‘fair go’.

“The investigation itself highlighted one of the issues was the technical advice provided by staff had been ignored or overruled.

“I have every confidence in the professional and hard-working staff currently employed across all areas of Council.”

No further information will be made public in relation to this matter at this time.