Ryde Central

Statement by the City of Ryde CEO Wayne Rylands - Council Meeting 23 May 2023

At the Council meeting on 23 May 2023, I delivered a public statement pertaining to matters concerning the transfers of funds obtained from developer contributions which had been placed in restricted reserves, funds which are required to be held by Council and spent for the purposes for which they were collected from developers in line with Council’s Contributions Plan. The transactions in question should not have occurred.

Council has provided all relevant details relating to these matters to the Office of Local Government and the Independent Commission Against Corruption, who are now undertaking their own inquiries on these matters. Council is cooperating in full with these inquiries.

Council’s top priority is to make sure Ryde ratepayers continue to receive the services and programs that they have come to expect and that the impacts from these matters are minimised. Council’s main priority is our ratepayers. Council staff will continue to work diligently every day in the best interests of our community.

I must strongly stress that as these matters have been referred to the Office of Local Government and ICAC for their consideration, no further comment can be made by Council on these matters until the conclusion of the external inquiries. I will endeavour to keep you informed as appropriate.

My full statement delivered to Council and the community last night can be viewed here.