The Central Darling Shire Council (CDSC) may have its first democratic election in a decade.

The dismissal of the council's last group of councillors in 2014 due to allegations of financial misconduct has resulted in a lack of direct community representation for nearly ten years.

Ron Page, a former councillor who disputes the dismissal decision, has expressed his belief in the council's cost-effectiveness despite financial challenges. 

“We didn't have very much money to spend, and we had to spend it wisely,” he said.

While the CDSC has been under administration since 2013, current administrator Bob Stewart acknowledges that financial limitations persist. 

Although significant progress has been made over the last decade in rebuilding the organisation, it still falls short compared to most modern councils. 

“We're about 75 to 80 per cent there with the governance,” Stewart says. 

Concerns remain regarding financial sustainability.

The CDSC, a large local government area covering the far west of New South Wales and roughly the size of Tasmania, has an annual rate base turnover of around $930,000, which is spread across several remote townships.

The current administration period is set to expire in September 2024, prompting a reassessment process by the Office of Local Government. 

Site visits have been conducted at council offices, and community members in Wilcannia, Menindee, and White Cliffs have been informed about the roadmap out of administration.

While some residents have had positive experiences with the council under administration, many still express a desire for local representation. 

Some have suggested having a dedicated community spokesperson acting as a conduit to the council, if the administration were to continue.

Ron Page believes that with a sustainable funding stream and support from neighbouring local government areas, CDSC could avoid repeating history. 

He says there is a need for closer cooperation between Central Darling, Broken Hill, and the Far West NSW Unincorporated Area to achieve better financial outcomes and long-term sustainability.

The CDSC's administrator, Bob Stewart, and General Manager Greg Hill recently met with NSW Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig. 

The government says it is working closely with the council and other agencies to develop a plan for the shire's transition out of administration and its future governance.