Warrnambool City Council has 'serious cultural issues', Cr Mike Neoh says

Cr Mike Neoh, the second councillor in a week to speak out, said he had plenty of concerns about council processes over the past six to 12 months.

It comes after Peter Hulin resigned from the council after more than 11 years last week due to his worries it was not open or transparent.

Cr Neoh said he believed there were "serious cultural issues" within the organisation that had been raised by councillors.

"I believe this has occurred in the last six months in particular and it seems to be deteriorating rather than getting better," he said.

"Given my role on the audit and risk committee I'm not going to tolerate that. I've had a gutful of raising issues and not seeing any progress. In fact it seems some things are being buried."

He said a request by councillors for governance support had been inadequate, and he believed that was a "protective measure" by the organisation.

He said he wasn't afraid to speak up about the council's issues.

"If I get sacked I know that it's for standing up for integrity, good governance and process, which all the councillors know I'm a stickler for," he said.

Cr Neoh said he believed council management "thought it was the boss of councillors".

"Management has at times refused, been reluctant or it's been like pulling out hens teeth to get strategic documents they haven't wanted to share with councillors," he said.

"That sharing of information has been selective. All councillors have asked for information. Some have only received it due to their positions on committees or else they have really had to push the point."

Cr Neoh raised concerns about communications with the audit and risk committee, of which he and Cr Sue Cassidy were members.

He said himself and his fellow councillors had not received information about a key issue, which he would not reveal, in a timely manner and the "committtee had to read about in the media".

"It's now up to the councillors to make some decisions in the best interests in the city of Warrnambool," he said.

"The buck stops with us now. Councillors can't keep running to officers as though they are our boss."

He said the council's on-ground staff were its "most valuable asset".

Warrnambool City Council has been contacted for comment.