The culture, staff conduct, loss of public trust, disorder at meetings, and a lack of transparency and accountability were all issues identified by the Office of Local Government in a review into Clarence Valley Council.

In November, the Office of Local Government (OLG) announced it would be conducting a review into Clarence Valley Council.

“In recent months, the Office of Local Government has received multiple complaints and concerns about the operation of Clarence Valley Council,” an OLG spokesperson said.

“In the week commencing 10 November 2025, OLG held by-invitation meetings in the region with people from Council and members of the community.

“The meetings were an opportunity for attendees to air their concerns and for the OLG to gain a deeper understanding of the issues.”

Last Friday, OLG Deputy Secretary Brett Whitworth provided a letter to the Councillors and community members interviewed, which states the information provided has been reviewed, which has taken some time given both the nature of the information provided and the volume of information received.

“It is clear to OLG there are clear and ongoing concerns raised over the nature of personal interactions between Councillors and Council staff,” the letter stated.

“These interactions appear to be having an impact on people personally and are influencing the governance and decision making of Council.”

The OLG assessment identified several recurring themes, the letter states, including:

Councillor and staff conduct and culture: Evidence of strained relationships among Councillors and staff, frequent code of conduct complaints, and reports of hostile or intimidating behaviour.

Transparency and accountability: Concerns about access to information and questions regarding disclosure of legal and financial matters.

Community impacts: loss of public trust, allegations of inadequate consultation, and escalating disorder at Council meetings.

Mr Whitworth said he intends to address Councillors in person, early in the new year, to discuss these matters.

“In the interim, we are preparing advice for the Minister for Local Government,” Mr Whitworth said.

“This advice may consist of recommendations for actions under the Local Government Act 1993, which could include.

“Authorising an investigation under Section 430 into the performance of Council.

“Issuing a Performance Improvement Order under Section 438A should systemic issues be confirmed.

“Monitoring the performance of Council by other means.”

Mr Whitworth said the OLG’s goal is to support Clarence Valley Council to operate effectively, transparently, and in the best interests of the community it serves, and they will carefully consider all options available to ensure this occurs.

Clarence Valley Council acting Mayor, Greg Clancy said he was very pleased to receive the letter from the Office of Local Government following the interviews conducted in Coffs Harbour and a further discussion that occurred with Mr Whitworth.

“I’m hopeful that this will lead to an investigation, because there are a number of issues that have gone uninvestigated over the years and I have raised these to no avail,” he said.

“I’m optimistic that the Office of Local Government may get to the bottom of our problems and if the problems I’m raising are not problems, at least they will be investigated and we can move on.

“To me, the openness and transparency is something that has been lacking, and I’m really looking forward to addressing that issue in particular, but there are other issues.”

This article appeared in the Clarence Valley Independent, 24 December 2025.