8 November 2013

Circular Head Mayor Daryl Quilliam and Waratah-Wynyard Mayor Robby Walsh today announced that both Councils intend to stop resource sharing a General Manager from next month.

However, both Mayors made a commitment to continue resource sharing other staff, which was assured with a five year extension coming into effect next month.

Once ratified, General Manager Greg Winton will become General Manager of Waratah-Wynyard Council, while Circular Head Assistant General Manager Tony Smart will be appointed as General Manager of Circular Head Council.

“While there are still some matters to be determined both Councils feel they have the confidence to have separate general managers under the new structure,” Mayor Quilliam said.

“With the first of December as the five year anniversary of the original resource sharing arrangement with General Manager coming up, both Councils feel now is the time to make this change.”

Waratah-Wynyard Mayor Robby Walsh said both Councils continued to have absolute faith in the resource sharing model.

“The relationship that has been built between both Councils will continue well into the future for the betterment of both communities,” Mayor Walsh said.

“Resource sharing allows both Councils to have access to a dedicated pool of specialist staff that would not be possible if either Council went it alone.”

Mr Winton said the change would allow him to take a leading role in strategic planning priorities being rolled out at Waratah-Wynyard Council.

“This change provides me the opportunity to be involved at a more significant level in ongoing organisational reviews and Council’s organisational development program,” Mr Winton said.

“I am confident that Circular Head will be in good hands with Tony Smart, who has had more than 30 years experience in Council and has been Assistant General Manager for the past five years.”

Mr Smart said the return of Executive Manager Financial Services Rachel Mallinson to Circular Head Council would provide stability for the organisation going forward.

“Rachel’s return will give the team at Circular Head the opportunity to move forward without the need to look at immediate recruitment of additional resources,” Mr Smart said.

“Having worked with Greg for more than 10 years provides me with the confidence that there will not only be a continuing effective relationship, but also that Circular Head is in the best place to make this transition.”

The Memorandum of Agreement between the two Councils and the Burnie City Councils on shared services will not be affected by the change.

The next meeting of elected representatives from the three Councils will be held on 27 November 2013.