Latrobe Local News:
New Council best prepared ever to administer CityThe nine newly elected Latrobe City Councillors are much better prepared and briefed to take on their municipal tasks than their former counterparts, following a specially developed and implemented transition program for Councillors in Latrobe City. By Latrobe City - 4th April 2003 - Back to News •Tell us your opinion •See what others have said The nine newly elected Latrobe City Councillors are much better prepared and briefed to take on their municipal tasks than their former counterparts, following a specially developed and implemented transition program for Councillors in Latrobe City.
Latrobe City’s Chief Executive Officer, Richard Hancock, said the organisation had devoted a lot of time and effort into preparing for the transition of the newly elected Council, and the groundwork was paying dividends now that the program was being implemented, following the declaration of the poll.
Mr Hancock said the transition program had a number of key aims while providing consistent information to all Councillors, and delivering the resources Councillors needed to assist them in carrying out their duties.
"Primarily it delivered a specific induction for the new Councillors while assisting with the team development of the new Council," Mr Hancock said.
"Since the election, the new Council has already met on four separate occasions. At these meetings all Councillors have been brought up to date on a range of key issues and operational matters. A detailed Councillor Information manual was also prepared and distributed to all Councillors.
"One of the key elements of the transition program was a planning workshop held on the Saturday following their swearing in. This was a vital workshop as it allowed Councillors to start thinking about the future direction of the City. We had preliminary discussions about the Corporate Plan, Annual Business Plan and Budget, and put in place a process for the further consideration of these strategic processes," Mr Hancock said.
"The Councillors were also taken on a strategic tour of the municipality, receiving first hand briefings on a number of key issues such as animal facilities, the Justice Precinct, the former Moe Hospital precinct and a number of our leisure facilities including Hazelwood Pondage and Lake Narracan.
"The transition will continue over the next few months with a series of specific briefings and induction sessions. It is also likely that we will schedule a number of key stakeholder meetings to provide the Council with the opportunity to build strong relationships within the community," Mr Hancock said.
"As part of the transition program, the Council will also be reviewing its meeting system and schedule. At present, Council meets formally once a month and has a number of briefings on the other Mondays. A number of alternative systems are being investigated and then Council will decide on the best arrangement for the Council and the community as a whole."
Latrobe City’s new Mayor, Councillor Graeme Middlemiss, said he had been delighted with the speed and enthusiasm with which the new Council has got down to business.
"Everything has been extremely positive and in particular I have been very impressed by the knowledge of issues that our new Councillors have. I believe we have a strong team of committed Councillors, who will take this municipality forward." Cr Middlemiss said.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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