Administrator to be appointed to run Hepburn Shire Council

Victorian Local Government Minister Paul Hamer says he intends to appoint an administrator in order to allow the Hepburn Shire Council to continue to run.The announcement follows Hepburn businessman David Penman bringing charges against five of the shire's seven councillors, forcing them to stand down temporarily and effectively shutting the council down.Many of the charges brought privately by Mr Penman allege the councillors acted unlawfully by adopting the council's annual budget without certain financial documents.In a statement made today, Mr Hamer said the situation in the shire could not continue."What's happening at the Hepburn Shire Council is causing unnecessary disruption and it's the residents who are paying the price," he said."I have written to the Hepburn Shire Council's CEO stating my intention to appoint an administrator."Until the private prosecution matters are resolved an administrator will ensure the council continues to deliver for the residents of Hepburn."Mr Hamer said legislation to prevent similar situations from occurring was being considered by parliament.Tony Clark welcomed the minister's announcement. (ABC Ballarat: Eden Hynninen)Former Hepburn Shire mayor Tony Clark, who was one of the councillors charged this month, said the decision to appoint an administrator was a positive."I think the decision and the announcement by the minister is a sensible one and the right one that will deliver the best outcome for the community given the challenging circumstances," he said."The [government] is certainly intervening, but I would like to see more emphasis."I think this needs to be addressed more quickly and much more strongly."Cr Clark said it had been a tough time for the councillors."It's fair to say it is a very personally distressing time, it's very difficult for everyone," he said."Not only do we feel really personally targeted, but we also feel that the community is being targeted because they're the ones who ultimately bear the price."Councillor Tim Drylie, who has not been stood down, said the government could be doing more."If there is a case to answer, it should be. But we have been seeking scrutiny, investigation or ministerial involvement for some time so the people of Hepburn Shire have answers, and this has not been forthcoming," he said."Accountability is always required and should never come at the cost of residents' basic democratic rights."Labor could have closed a known loophole in the law but have failed to act quickly. Residents don't want decisions about their local area made by distant officials in Spring Street. They want answers."