Work is far from done at the problem-plagued City of South Perth, with its local government monitor staying for an extra 49 days.

Local Government Inspector Tony Brown appointed Murdoch University Chancellor Gail McGowan as the city’s monitor in February to overlook its operations after allegations of dysfunction at the city.

Ms McGowan’s role involves sitting in on council and committee meetings, inspecting documents and reviewing governance practices.

She also monitors relationships between council members and between the council and the city’s employees, as well as providing guidance on roles and responsibilities.

It is understood she will continue to assist the city in line with the original terms of appointment.

Ms McGowan started her role on Wednesday, February 25, and was scheduled to complete her appointment on April 29 and provide a report and observations to Mr Brown.

Ms McGowan will now continue her role until June 17 at $900 a day, paid for by the city’s ratepayers.

The city confirmed Ms McGowan works two days a week, which means she will be at the city for an additional 21 days which is expected to cost ratepayers an additional $12,600.

In March, Mr Brown told The West Australian he was “very much considering” looking at the next steps he can take in addressing the problem plagued council.

Evidence of this was shown at the city’s February 24 meeting, which went for five-and-a-half hours before being reconvened to March 4, where it went for a further three hours, including an hour-long argument over whether or not mayor Greg Milner should write up his own diary.

CEO Liz Ledger walked off the job just three months into it after sending an email out to staff outlining her serious concerns and intention to hire an external consultant to conduct a psychosocial review. Mr Milner later presented an urgent motion to block the review which was supported by the council.

Ms Ledger is still currently on personal leave, with director of infrastructure services Anita Amprimo acting CEO.

Ms Amprimo said she would proceed with the psychosocial risk assessment regardless of what the council thought.