In a move that has shocked the community and sharply divided its elected members, Walgett Shire Council has sacked its General Manager Michael Urquhart who has served as Walgett General Manager since August 2020.

Walgett Shire Councilors were split five to four at the resolution made last Tuesday 28 March, but the majority ultimately decided to terminate Urquhart’s employment.

The Western Plains App understands that Councillor Colin Hundy has been behind the move to sack Michael Urquhart. Sources indicate that Hundy “believed he had a mandate from those who voted him in to get rid of Urquhart”. 

The Western Plains App understands that Hundy has been lobbying other councilors to terminate Urquhart’s employment since he was elected in December 2021. 

Councillor Hundy was vocal in media interviews leading up to his election in December 2021 that he would “get rid of” Urquhart if elected. 

At last Tuesday’s meeting Councillors Colin Hundy, Daniel Walford, Michael Cook, Jason Ramien and Alf Seaton all voted in favour of voting out the veteran council executive.

Hundy’s agenda, however, was not supported by all councillors.   

The councillors who voted against dismissing Urquhart were Ian Woodcock and Sue Currey as well as Deputy Mayor Greg Rummery and Mayor Jane Keir.

Councillor Rummery told the Western Plains App Urquhart “acted in the best interests of the council and had my full support”. 

The Deputy Mayor said he thought that Urquhart’s sacking was a “disgraceful decision” and “will be of absolutely no benefit to the community.” 

The council held an Extraordinary General Meeting on the morning on Tuesday April 4 to appoint interim General Manager Hugh Percy. 

Councillor Hundy told the Western Plains App that “speaking to the media was a breach of the Local Government Act” because councillors were not permitted to speak to the media without approval from the general manager. 

Acting General Manager Hugh Percy then also declined to comment and thus far Walgett Shire Council has not put out comment on why Urquhart has been stood down. 

Mayor Keir told the Western Plains App “General Managers can be dismissed by councillors for very little reason if there is a majority”. 

“I can assure you that our General Manager who has been dismissed has not done anything wrong”. 

Urquhart told the Western Plains App he would soon be issuing a public comment expressing gratitude to the Walgett Shire community for “their support.”