Organisational realignment provides an opportunity for change

The new structure, if adopted at next month’s ordinary council meeting, will begin in October and is set to create the council of tomorrow by simplifying its operations today.

CEO Scott Owen said since taking on the role seven months ago he’d been able to see firsthand the challenges the organisation faced, but also the opportunity for positive change.

“I’ve used my own experience and coupled that with employee and customer feedback to shape the direction of council into the future,” Mr Owen said.

“The changes we are making will ensure that every employee feels empowered to take ownership of their work, be accountable for their actions and exhibit leadership at all levels.

“It will also position us as an organisation to be simpler, faster and more transparent with our community and stakeholders.”

The realignment has two phases – the realignment of the executive and senior leadership roles to ensure end-to-end flow of accountability and a review and realignment of processes and procedures.

The structure includes the establishment of a new Organisational Capability and Risk directorate which will focus on capturing business needs and changing the way council operates to move forward.

Another key change is the merging of two current directorates – Engineering and Commercial Infrastructure and Capital Works – to Infrastructure and Operations to provide clear strategic direction and focus on delivery.

Mayor Greg Williamson said that instead of being discouraged by the challenges council faced, they were being used to improve operations and provide more value to the community.

“Our employees are passionate about the work they do in striving to make our region one of the best places for liveability and livelihood,” Mayor Williamson said.

As part of the realignment, there will be no overall reductions in salaried staff and all appointments to new executive leadership roles will be handled through a fair and equitable merit-based recruitment process.