MOIRA Shire residents will blitz weekend footy matches, markets and other public events in a bid to drum up support for an independent probity audit into the council’s finances and operations.
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A petition has already been started, with more than 100 signatures gathered at a meeting at Nathalia on Wednesday.
Former council chief financial officer Adrian Pawar said he was stunned at the response, which councillors and chief executive officer Mark Henderson couldn’t ignore.
“I was quite frankly shocked at how many people turned up to the meeting,” Mr Pawar said.
“With only two days notice and word of mouth they came along.
“The councillors have to push the chief executive officer to make it happen and in turn he has to implement any changes arising from the audit.”
Mr Pawar said the petition would be presented to Moira Council’s meeting on Monday.
The probity audit was stalled on legal grounds in March, even though the council had earlier committed to paying $60,000 to Albury firm Rob Salisbury & Associates to carry out a wide-ranging probe.
“What we are targeting is at least 300 signatures,” Mr Pawar said.
“But I think we can hit 500 to 600 given what has happened this week.
“The petition will be available across the shire all weekend.
“It is the community telling the mayor and councillors we want this implemented.”