The Office of Local Government is the NSW Government agency responsible for strengthening the sustainability, performance, integrity, transparency and accountability of the local government sector.

OLG has a policy, legislative, investigative and program focus in regulating the state's 128 local councils.

Mayor Peta Pinson made public allegations she is being bullied by her colleagues and the council had become dysfunctional at the June 3 meeting. It was the first of a chain of events that has since seen the resignation of general manager Craig Swift-McNair, who is relocating to take up a position at Woollahra Municipal Council; and the resignation of Cr Justin Levido.

Cr Levido's resignation is the second in 12 months with the departure of Mike Cusato in September 2019.

The mayor's claims have been refuted by members of the elected body with deputy mayor Lisa Intemann repeatedly asking Cr Pinson for specific examples of bullying so those matters can be addressed and dealt with.

"They are very serious allegations deserving proper investigation and correction if untrue," Cr Intemann said.

"However despite repeatedly asking the mayor to please provide actual examples of what she is referring to, none have been forthcoming either to me or I believe any relevant person."

An anonymous and highly defamatory letter is also circulating the community making allegations of bullying within the organisation, calling for the council to return to administration.

Mr Swift-McNair, on his resignation, said the organisation is functioning effectively but would not weigh into debate about councillor relationships.

"The organisation is functioning incredibly effectively and that's what a general manager's key role is," Mr Swift McNair said.

"The functionality of the elected body, or otherwise, is not something a smart GM makes any public comment about.

"I think the evidence is sitting there in the way our region is moving forward."

A coalition of resident action groups have now come together in a show of support for the mayor who has been an ally on major issues from the orbital road to the opening of the lake at Lake Cathie.

The mayor is calling on the Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock to bring forward the local government elections for Port Macquarie-Hastings.

A spokesperson for the Minister said this is not an option.

"The local community is entitled to expect the highest standards of leadership and conduct from its elected representatives," a spokesperson for the Office of Local Government told the Port News.

"Under the Local Government Act, all councillors are required to work together in the best interests of the community.

"Specifically, councillors must be active and contributing members of the governing body and work collaboratively to make considered and well informed decisions that are in the best interests of the council and the community.

"The Office of Local Government encourages the council to take steps to address any interpersonal conflict and to improve relationships within the council.

"Councillors are also required to uphold high standards of honesty and integrity under the Model Code of Conduct for Local Councils in NSW.

"The code was strengthened in 2018 including new standards relating to discrimination and harassment, bullying, work health and safety.

"Anyone with evidence of a breach of the Model Code of Conduct should report it to the general manager so it can be dealt with under the council's code of conduct.

"The Office of Local Government is monitoring the situation at the council."

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