Transition Ahead for Burnie City Council

Published on 25 March 2020

The General Manager of Burnie City Council, Mr Andrew Wardlaw, has today announced that he will finish his role with Burnie City Council later this year in July.

Mayor Steve Kons said “Andrew met with the Council earlier in February to discuss his plans to resign from the position of General Manager and in doing so, to prepare for a smooth transition over the coming months.  Whilst the timing of this public announcement comes at a challenging time for Council, it is a decision that had been discussed and accepted well before the current challenges at hand.

“As a General Manager, I have appreciated Andrew’s integrity and diligence in the role over many years.  Andrew has had an extensive career spanning 27 years in local government across Tasmania, including a term as the National President of Local Government Professionals Australia, and his skills and experience have been highly valued within the sector.

“Andrew has made a solid contribution to Burnie City Council and provided sound leadership over an extended time.” 

In response, Mr Wardlaw stated “For some time I have been considering my future options and opportunities and formed the view that this year was the right time to bring an end to my time with Burnie City Council.  My first priority in discussing this with Council was to ensure adequate time for a smooth transition to a new leadership later in the year, and therefore proposed a four month notice period which was accepted.

“While the next few months will be a challenging period for our Council and community, I am absolutely dedicated to the task ahead of leading Council through what is to come, and will always remain passionate about this community and the broader north-west region.

“In reflecting on my time with Council over 11 years, there have been many highlights. The introduction of Making Burnie 2030 in 2010 provided the community with a strong strategic plan and I have seen many of the objectives progress positively during my time at Burnie.  While Burnie has been a leader in local government for many years, I know I will leave proud that the organisation has advanced with improved systems and processes and has made reaches into the community of long lasting benefit.  Of course there is always more to do, and there always will be.

“I have been fortunate to work with a strong and supportive senior management team, and have enjoyed the support of an excellent workforce of people who are extremely dedicated to serving our community. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Councillors for their support over the past 11 years, in particular the support that allowed me to represent Local Government Professionals Australia, locally, nationally and internationally during my time at Burnie.”

Mr Wardlaw will finish his employment on 31 July 2020.