Edward River Council Emerges Stronger as Performance Order Concludes

Published on 18 June 2025

Edward River Council has officially completed all requirements under the Performance Improvement Order (PIO) issued by the NSW Minister for Local Government in July 2024, marking a significant milestone in the Council’s journey toward stronger governance and leadership.

The closure of the PIO follows the submission of the Council’s third and final compliance report in February 2025, which confirmed that all required actions had been successfully implemented. The Minister for Local Government, The Hon. Ron Hoenig MP, acknowledged the Council’s substantial progress and confirmed that the PIO would not be extended or varied.

Mayor Ashley Hall welcomed the Minister’s decision, stating, “The PIO process has challenged us to reflect, reset, and rebuild. We’ve emerged stronger, more united, and more focused on delivering for our community. I thank our Councillors, staff, and community for their support and commitment throughout this process.”

The PIO was issued in response to conduct issues and governance concerns related to the previous Council. Since then, the previous and current Councils have worked closely with Temporary Advisor Mr Mark Ferguson and interim leadership to implement a comprehensive improvement plan.

The appointment of Mr Jack Bond as Chief Executive Officer in late 2024 has been a key part of this transformation.

Mr Bond expressed his appreciation for the clarity and direction the process provided, stating: “The PIO provided a clear framework for improvement and accountability. It helped us build stronger internal systems, improve communication, and foster a more collaborative culture. We’re committed to working together to ensure this positive momentum is maintained.”

The Office of Local Government will continue to monitor the Council’s progress, but the closure of the PIO is a strong endorsement of the Council’s renewed direction and leadership.

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