Council supports efficiency changes

Last Tuesday, Eurobodalla Shire councillors heard General Manager, Dr Catherine Dale's first quarterly report which included her recommendations for moving the organisation forward.

Eurobodalla Mayor Lindsay Brown said councillors were impressed with Dr Dale's quarterly report and congratulated her on her first three months' work.

"Dr Dale was appointed for her many years' experience working in Chief Executive and General Manager roles in local government and her reputation and track record for turning organisations around," said Cr Brown.

"Her recommendations and plans to take our organisation forward are very exciting. She has a clear focus to work with council to deliver what the community wants."

Catherine Dale said that there were six broad issues that needed to be reviewed and enhanced to meet the community's expectations.

"These include financial sustainability, community relations and communication, organisational culture, land use planning, economic development and risk management," said Dr Dale.

She says her recommendations would ensure that the organisation is clear about its purpose, provides professional advice and implements council decisions and policies and, in particular, provides consistent and responsive customer service.

"Council can achieve this by ensuring we have an organisational culture that enables council staff to be more collaborative and innovative. I have developed a structure that will underpin this culture," said Dr Dale.

"The recommendations include changes to council's organisational structure that would make it flatter which will improve direct accountability and management efficiencies and more effectively use the skills that currently exist in the organisation."

Dr Dale said over time, the proposed structure will also reduce costs.

Councillors endorsed Dr Dale's changes so that she was immediately able to consult with the members of staff who were directly affected. She has also consulted with the unions and the Staff Consultative Committee that represents all staff. Dr Dale expects to will meet with the Staff Consultative Committee again this Wednesday 21 August to review any feedback.

"If there are no changes required, the new structure will become effective immediately," she said.

A key change in the proposal will see the number of council Directors reduced from three to two. The Director Corporate and Community Outcomes position will become redundant and the functions managed by it will be reallocated to other areas in the organisation.

Dr Dale says reducing staff is always a difficult decision. "When I proposed this change to councillors it was after serious consideration and after I had reviewed all the options."

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the outgoing Director of Corporate and Community Outcomes, Kerry Foster, for her outstanding contribution to Eurobodalla Shire Council and to our community. I would like to wish her all the best for the future," Dr Dale said.