The NSW government has suspended the entire board of the New England Weeds Authority (NEWA), the local government body responsible for controlling invasive weeds across four local council areas.
The dramatic intervention has been announced amid growing concerns about the financial position and governance of the organisation.
NEWA is the trading name of the New England County Council and is made up of representatives from the Armidale Regional, Walcha, Uralla Shire and Glen Innes Severn Shire Councils.
Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig said the government was forced to step in after his office was made aware of “financial irregularities”.
He said the Audit Office had been unable to issue an audit dur to gaps in NEWA’s financial records, and other “significant issues” that could have implications for its partner councils.
“I was alarmed by reports about the financial mismanagement and governance issues at NEWA which is why I have taken this immediate action.
“The problems are of real concern, particularly given the potential impacts the financial instability of NEWA has for its four member councils which help fund its operations.”
Mr Hoenig said former general manager John Rayner has been appointed as interim administrator and will investigate NEWA’s financial and position and the challenges it faces.
He is due to report back to the government at the end of the three-month suspension.
“This is a necessary measure to give confidence to staff and restore proper and effective functioning to the organisation,” the minister said.
