New council’s delivery duty

Administrators’ reforms passed on

THE incoming council will be responsible for delivering the bulk of the major changes ushered in by the three Geelong administrators.

Just months out from the end of their reign, Geelong council’s interim leaders have revealed that 75 per cent of their transformation initiatives will continue past October.

“Success of these projects will depend on ongoing commitment, dedicated resources and leadership from the CEO and new council,” their report states.

Among the suite of longterm projects is the headlining Our Future vision, due to be finalised next month, which will lay out a 30-year plan for Geelong.

“A significant challenge for future councils will be putting this into action,” the report said.

The administrators have also stated there was a risk that work to address the chronic under-investment in internal information and communication technology would fall by the wayside.

A further $2.8 million for the sector was needed in 2018-19, on top of the $1.6 million set aside in the forthcoming financial year.

The report, which looked at the administrators’ progress in reforming the council over the past 12 months, also revealed: A TOTAL of 57 bullying-related issues have been resolved through the Complaint Review Panel. A $2 MILLION efficiency saving has been found. A REVIEW of the organis- ation has seen at least eight new or modified roles created, with about 30 per cent of the senior leadership team turned over in the past year.

“We’ve also been working with consultants on detailed designs and costing to consolidate the City’s departments in one central location,” chief administrator Kathy Alexander said.

“A strategic plan and business case for this will be considered at a council meeting in September.”

Dr Alexander said there was still progress to be made ahead of the return to councillors after the October 28 election.

“There is plenty of work to do to embed the recommendations of a number of independent reviews, and a range of new and revised programs, policies and processes,” she said.

“This will provide a good foundation for the new council to build on in the future as they continue with the implementation of this work.”

“Success of these projects will depend on ongoing commitment, dedicated resources and leadership from the CEO and new council.”