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Mayor's Message - 17 February

Last week, in my column, I farewelled Allan Bawden, Bass Coast Shire’s CEO for more than 19 years. Both current and former staff, Councillors, Mayors and many community figures farewelled Allan over the week.

By Bass Caost - 19th February 2014 - Back to News

This week, however, it is time to celebrate the future.

Yesterday, Monday 17, our new CEO, Paul Buckley, started in his new role, and there is a buzz of excitement among Councillors and staff. I’m sure that as you get to know Paul, this buzz will also extend to the wider community. Paul is very keen to get around and meet as many community groups and individuals as possible.

Paul has joined us after nine years as the CEO of the City of Latrobe, and a long and distinguished public service career, which included being awarded the Public Service Medal in the 2012 Queen’s Birthday Honours for his outstanding public service and sustained leadership to the local community. He was the stand-out candidate in a very strong field of more than 50 applicants from all over the country and Bass Coast Councillors were unanimous in their decision.

Importantly, Paul knows Bass Coast. He has family here, has holidayed here for many years and has been a member of the Gippsland Local Government Network, in which Allan was also a member. Through the Network, Paul, Allan and the other Gippsland Local Government CEOs have advocated on many important issues on behalf of the community, including the Bass Coast Highway duplication project.

Paul is an experienced CEO who understands all levels of government. This is important, as the CEO is the principal advocate of the community on matters that fall under the other levels of government, such as roads and major projects, and his work is vital in attracting funding to the Shire. Advocacy is possibly the main task of the CEO.

Last year, we undertook a benchmarking project, to get a measure of how Bass Coast Shire was performing in comparison to other councils. While the results told us we are doing a good job, there is always room for improvement. It will be one of Paul’s tasks to implement the opportunities identified and continue to improve our services. In doing so, he will be building on the excellent work done by the former CEO.

His other main task is to continue to deliver the Council Plan 2013 – 2017, which was developed through a collaborative process involving the community, elected Councillors and Council staff. As such, the Council Plan belongs to all of us. The key objectives, as defined in the plan are: to protect, maintain and enhance our natural environment; to have sustainable development and growth; to have strong, safe and connected communities; and for Council to have good governance, excellence in service delivery and engage with the community.

If you see Paul out and about – and he will be easy to recognise, as he is very tall! – please introduce yourself and make him feel welcome to our beautiful Bass Coast.

Cr Neil Rankine, Mayor
Bass Coast Shire Council

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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