WA Local Government Minister, John Carey, has announced the appointment of former senior public sector leader, Gail McGowan, as Commissioner of the Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup.
Ms McGowan’s appointment as Commissioner follows the sudden resignation of five elected members of the Donnybrook-Balingup Shire.
The Local Government Act 1995 provides that a Commissioner can be appointed to fulfil the role of the council if more than half of the council becomes vacant.
With the appointment of a Commissioner, the remaining four council positions have been declared vacant. The Commissioner will perform the duties of the council and exercise its powers until a new council is elected.
It is anticipated a new council will be elected during the scheduled October 2023 local government elections.
Ms McGowan will formally commence as Commissioner next week.
