Council has been advised by the Victorian Government that it has extended the Municipal Monitors for a further six months. Mr John Tanner AM and Mr John Watson will continue in the role until 30 June 2026.
It is understood the Monitors have lodged an interim report with the Victorian Minister for Local Government and will take further time working with Council before lodging a final report in mid-2026.
Kingston Mayor Georgina Oxley and CEO Peter Bean said Kingston had not been provided with the interim report or other information on any concerns that would warrant an extension.
"It's unclear what the justification was for extending the Monitors, and Councillors are perplexed by the announcement. Nonetheless we will continue to provide the state-appointed Monitors with transparency on our strong processes, governance and decision-making," Cr Oxley said.
"Your Councillors have been elected to represent our community, be a strong voice for advocacy and to act with independence and integrity. We will continue to lead our community with integrity, and without fear or favour, to deliver the vision for Kingston our community voted for. We look forward to continuing to serve the Kingston community with pride."
CEO Peter Bean said the Council had recorded a very solid first term approving its four-year Council & Wellbeing Plan, delivering the Annual Budget, completing mandatory training, meeting with the community and dozens of other projects and initiatives.
"Council is committed to continuing to deliver excellent services to our community, built on a foundation of good governance and strong customer service," Mr Bean said.
"Our community can be assured that the solid work of delivering over 100 services to our community continues around the clock."
"This includes our biggest ever capital project – the new Mordi Aquatic Centre – progressing on-time and on-budget, our community rated us highly in the annual satisfaction survey, and we continue to deliver vital community services that many local governments no longer provide including aged care, delivered meals and childcare."
