Statement from the Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga – retraction and apology

On 22 February 2017, the General Manager of the City of Wagga Wagga, Alan Eldridge, issued a statement through a Media Release.

The General Manager’s statement referred to information published on a Wagga Wagga social media page by Mr Wes Fang, asserting that the information was factually incorrect and damaging to the City of Wagga Wagga.

The General Manager also asserted Mr Fang had unjustifiably sought to bring Council into disrepute in the minds of residents and ratepayers by causing an unjustifiable loss of confidence in key Council officials. Since the Media Release of 22 February 2017, the General Manager has been stood down from duties pending investigation and a referral to the Office of Local Government.

Council wishes to acknowledge that it was inappropriate for the Media Release to be issued and now formally retracts its contents.

It is also acknowledged that the issue of the Media Release, and the statements contained in it, may have caused Mr Fang and his family, harm and distress; for this, Council unreservedly apologises.

Council will continue to keep the community informed of important developments in relation to the General Manager.