A municipal monitor has been appointed to Colac Otway Shire Council following governance and councillor conduct concerns, Victoria’s local government minister Melissa Horne says.

Ms Horne announced on Wednesday that Christine Ferguson will begin as municipal monitor at Colac Otway from July 12 to January 31 next year, and report back at the end of her term.

The Chief Municipal Inspector recommended the appointment following reports of issues relating to the conduct of councillors and a lack of adherence to governance rules.

“Ms Ferguson will oversee, advise and support the council to improve its governance processes and practices and assist in the lead up to, and during, the local government elections in October,” Ms Horne said.

The minister said Ms Horne was an accomplished executive and non-executive director with extensive experience in the Victorian public sector.

 She is currently a non-executive Director at Triple Zero Victoria, and has held senior roles at the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.

“Christine Ferguson’s valuable experience puts her in an excellent position to support Colac Otway Shire Council to improve its governance processes and practices ahead of the council elections in October,” Ms Horne said.