Why the Geelong council was sacked

THE DISMISSAL OF THE CITY OF GREATER GEELONG COUNCIL

WHY WAS THE COUNCIL SACKED?

* The Victorian government moved to dump the Geelong council after an independent Commission of Inquiry report uncovered widespread dysfunction, including bullying and abusive behaviour from councillors and staff.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW?

* Geelong's high-profile mayor, Darryn Lyons, and 12 councillors will no longer represent the ratepayers, effective immediately.

* Three administrators will be appointed to run Geelong and flush out bullying.

* There will be public consultation on the model of governance of the new council and identity of the administrators.

WHEN WILL A NEW COUNCIL BE ELECTED?

* October, 2017

ALLEGED EXAMPLES OF BULLYING AND HARASSMENT:

* Darryn Lyons yelled and swore at staff telling one they "should be picking up dog s***".

* The mayor threatened to shut down a local business after swearing at its staff members during a visit.

* Another councillor retweeted a description of a local citizen as a "Greek property parasite".

* A council manager took to a chemicals shed with an axe after a pregnant worker asked for some ventilation.