The outcomes of the independent review into City of Newcastle's processes, procedures and performance will be tabled for endorsement at next week's Council meeting.
Davidson Business Advisory presented a summary of its findings to Councillors and the public at a briefing earlier this month, which confirmed City of Newcastle was a well-managed and high performing organisation.
The full report details 20 recommendations along with actions for improvement across six themes of general and financial governance, compliance, major projects, engagement and organisational culture.
The full report will be tabled at Tuesday's Ordinary Council Meeting, along with a recommendation that City of Newcastle's Audit Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) oversee implementation of the findings.
ARIC Chairman Stephen Coates, who has sat on 20 Council risk and audit committees, said City of Newcastle ranks among the best one or two Local Governments he has worked with.
"The City of Newcastle Audit Risk and Improvement Committee has overseen independent consultants, Davidson, who conducted a thorough governance review," Mr Coates said.
"The final report highlights many positive findings, confirming that City of Newcastle is a well-managed, high-performing organisation with several examples of best practice.
"While the report largely affirms the Council's strong performance, it also includes 20 suggestions for improvement, aimed at building on the current success, rather than addressing any issues of failure."
Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge thanked the community for their input into the review, which he said will provide a basis for enhanced openness and transparency with the community.
"I thank the many members of our community who took the time to make a submission, ensuring that their voices were heard during this process," Cr Kerridge said.
"I'm pleased that the review found the City of Newcastle to be a well-managed and generally high-performing organisation.
"However, multiple important opportunities to improve and rebuild trust were identified. There are some real issues in communication and engagement with the community, and financial reporting can be more transparent.
"I look forward to now working with the City of Newcastle and Councillors on positive actions that build better communication, transparency, and trust with our community."
The review was completed following a unanimous resolution of Councillors at the 10 December 2024 Ordinary Council meeting.
Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull, who tabled the Notice of Motion unanimously adopted in December, welcomed the outcome.
"This has been a very thorough review. I have been very impressed with the quality and substance of the review, and feedback from residents has been largely positive," Cr Pull said.
"What the review has underlined is that we are a high performing Council, but like all organisations we have room to improve.
"I have consistently said that this review is an opportunity to reinforce confidence in Council, identify issues, offer solutions, and to give the Council some much needed direction going forward.
"The reviewers have presented their findings and now it is over to the elected Council to decide how they respond."
More than 800 public submissions from 548 individuals were considered during the review. ARIC was consulted at each phase of the review and accepted the final report ahead of the public briefing.
Davidson Business Advisory has worked with more than 100 local governments across Australia and are experienced in undertaking similar governance and performance reviews.
The full report can be viewed on the City of Newcastle website.
