Statement from the Mayor and General Manager of the City of Wagga Wagga

After discussions between the City of Wagga Wagga General Manager, Alan Eldridge, Mayor, Councillor Greg Conkey OAM, and Deputy Mayor, Councillor  Dallas Tout, the General Manager has offered to step aside until 31 March 2017 to allow for an independent investigation of the recently made allegations of a breach of the General Manager’s pecuniary interest obligations.

That offer has been accepted.

Cr Conkey specifically acknowledged the General Manager’s voluntary decision to step aside so that the Council is not damaged by these controversial claims.

The General Manager also wishes to protect his family from public vitriol.

The independent investigation will be undertaken by an investigator appointed by Council’s solicitors. Council hopes to receive a report into the allegations by 31 March 2017.

Riverina Regional Library Executive Director, Robert Knight, will be acting General Manager until 31 March.

While the investigation is underway no further statements will be made.

Mayor Cr Greg Conkey.

General Manager Alan Eldridge