Baw Baw Shire Council Media Statement

The Baw Baw Shire Council has welcomed the release of a report and conclusion to the investigations into planning and procurement matters at Council. 

Earlier this year, Council’s CEO Mark Dupe requested independent investigations into planning and procurement matters following allegations made by a former Councillor.  

Council is pleased to note that the report concludes no wrongdoing by Baw Baw Shire Council officers, nor any Councillor misconduct.  

Throughout the duration of the investigations, Council maintained regular contact with the Local Government Inspectorate (LGI), as well as with the Independent Broad Based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC), with both authorities satisfied that Council has not demonstrated any misconduct.  

At no point throughout the investigations was any Council officer’s professionalism or conduct called into question, and Council remains steadfastly committed to acting in the best interests of the community. 

The investigations into planning and procurement made several recommendations, which Council will take on notice and, in some cases, is already implementing. The recommendations covered areas related to improving procurement processes within Council, the need for a comprehensive Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) claims process, and enhancements to planning permit processes to ensure a seamless experience for everyone involved. 

Council will continue to bolster and strengthen its planning and procurement processes, to ensure good governance and responsible decision making. 

This year, prior to and independent of the investigations, a review was undertaken of Council’s procurement policy.  

An updated policy is being prepared, to factor in the recent recommendations and general business improvements. Other measures Council is taking include extra resourcing, more regular reporting to Council’s Audit and Risk committee, the establishment of tender evaluation panels and a director led long-term procurement plan, to improve procurement and contract business practices.  

Council will not make any further comment at this time.