The head of one of the first councils created from the NSW government’s controversial mergers has called it quits.
Christine Ferguson announced her resignation as administrator of Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC) on Monday evening.
Ms Ferguson wished the incoming administrator and councillors well, however took aim at groups who directed vitriolic comments at her leadership whilst pushing to have the councils returned to their original state.
“This is not a decision that I have made lightly,” Ms Ferguson said in a statement.
“I have formed the view that it will be in the best interest of the whole community if I stand down now, before the coming election.”
“I believe this will provide a circuit breaker that will give clear space for my replacement to take up the reins and lead Council through the next phase up to the election of new councillors in September 2017.
“As leader of the organisation I have borne the brunt of community anger, which has at times been personal. There are absolutely no plans for Gundagai to be de-merged and I think it is unfair that a small group continues to keep this expectation alive.”
In her parting words, Ms Ferguson thanked the community, interim general manager Ken Trethewey and CGRC staff for their support.
“I have been proud to lead Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council during the early, and most difficult phase of this significant reform to local government,”
“I would like to congratulate and thank all of the staff for their hard work and commitment managing the difficult task of integrating two organisations, and offer a special thank you to interim General Manager Ken Trethewey for his unwavering support and leadership through the process so far.
“All of us, living in this wonderful region, will see the great benefits of this merger unfold in the future. While naturally I am sad to be leaving, a new chapter beckons and I look forward to the opportunities of life outside of local government.”
The former Nationals president stepped away from her job farming prime lambs and cattle to take on the top job during the transition last year.
She has lived in Gundagai for nearly 40 years and held a number of administrative roles in the National Party during that time.
Ms Ferguson was was elected the party’s federal president in 2012.
Two years ago, she was honoured with life membership by the Nationals at the party’s state conference.
Federal Nationals leader Warren Truss said at the time Mrs Ferguson had been “a great friend and champion of the party” at the conference.
Ms Ferguson was also a Gundagai Shire Councillor between 1991 and 1995.
During that time she was deputy chair of Riverina Regional Library and a founding member of Riverina Tourism.