Wodonga Council announces changes to operational structure

Wodonga Council is undertaking a necessary organisational restructure to streamline its service delivery and achieve a sustainable operating position through a reduction in its operating budget.

A report was adopted at the March council meeting that endorsed CEO Matthew Hyde’s capacity to act under the provisions of the Local Government Act to implement changes to services.

A financial assessment of the council, undertaken by external consultants, made recommendations on addressing the underlying deficit while continuing to deliver services to and for the community.

This process informed the streamlining of the Community Development directorate, which incliudes the portfolios of Customer Focus, Sport and Recreation, Marketing and Engagement, Asset Management, Sustainability and Economic Development being absorbed into the Infrastructure and Growth and Corporate and Community directorates. 

The restructure has resulted in three redundancies across the organisation and redeployment of some staff where there were suitable vacancies. The changes were announced to staff on Tuesday, March 26, following conversations with impacted employees. 

The council acknowledges the significant service of the staff departing the organisation, all of whom made substantial contributions to their portfolios and professions, the community and the organisation during their tenure. 

The realignment of portfolios will support the council’s objective to achieve financial sustainability and ensure it is effective in delivering primary and vital services.

Quotes attributed to CEO Matthew Hyde

 “The decision to implement changes to Wodonga Council’s operational structure has been made in an effort to improve the financial position of the council and to strengthen our long term capacity to deliver vital services to our community.

“We are operating in a pressured financial climate and redistributing the directorates will allow the council to run more efficiently and maximise its reinvestment back into the community.

“Future-proofing is a vital duty of the council and this requires frequent reassessment of the operating structure to determine how to optimise output while maintaining a sustainable financial position.  

“This restructure achieves this goal while also satisfying the council’s mandate to manage local issues and plan for the community’s needs.

“I would like to acknowledge the exemplary service of those departing the organisation. Their unwavering commitment to bettering the council has left Council and the Wodonga community in a far better place.

“Our focus remains the people of Wodonga and we will work diligently to ensure we continue to serve them.”