Nine councillors in rural Victoria face time in the sin bin after the Andrews government’s municipal watchdog called for the entire South Gippsland shire council to be suspended for poor governance.

The recommendation to suspend the council and replace them with administrators follows a public meeting two weeks ago in which an estimated 400 shire residents backed a motion for them to be sacked.

Minister for Local Government Adem Somyurek says South Gippsland Shire Council needs time out. Credit:Eddie Jim

Allegations of bullying and harassment within the council have also been aired.

Four councillors have resigned in the past six months, with former councillor Meg Edwards claiming after she quit in February that she had been harassed at her home, with late night phone calls and torch lights shone in her windows.