COUNCIL WATCH New CEO aiming for “good change”
DUBBO Regional Council’s interim CEO, Michael Mcmahon, was confirmed earlier this week as the successful candidate to fill the role permanently.
Council resolved at an extraordinary council meeting held on Monday, October 8, for the position of CEO to be offered to Mr Mcmahon.
An undisclosed number of candidates applied for the position.
Mr Mcmahon brings 26 years of experience to his five-year tenure which was made effective immediately on Monday this week.
The announcement comes after an extended period of imposed and perceived instability affecting Council and the region, including the State-led amalgamation and introduction of a ward voting system for council elections, the instalment of a new council and inevitable teething period, and the controversial exit of former Council General Manager, Mark Riley.
“I sent a little note out to staff after Council appointed me and I got a lot of responses back from staff congratulating me and complimenting me and they were glad a permanent leader has now been chosen; and they’ll be happy to work with me as they have in the last ten months,” Mr Mcmahon said.
The new CEO also said the permanency given to the role is of benefit to attracting new talent to Council from outside the region.
“I’ve got a platform to bring change that’s good change that will be of benefit to the community Dubbo Regional Council mayor congratulates newly appointed CEO Michael Mcmahon outside Council’s Civic Administration Building in Dubbo. and benefit the staff.
“I hope it’s positive feedback from the community. For the last 10 months, there’s been a lot of changes in delegations, a lot of changes in government procedures of our committees and our council meetings, and great changes in the development of our project management team which will now provide a better mechanism for us to operate.
“I am looking forward to continuing living in Dubbo and delivering on the many great initiatives Dubbo Regional Council has underway,” he said.
Mayor Ben Shields also congratulated Mr Mcmahon.
“Michael has lengthy experience as General Manager of a number of major NSW Councils and the Council has full confidence he will serve Dubbo Regional Council well,” Cr Shields said.
The mayor said the appointment of Michael Mcmahon will provide added certainty for the community and staff to lead the Council through an exciting period of growth.
The contract of the CEO is the Office of Local Government Standard Contract for the Employment of General Managers for a period of five years. The documents and considerations in relation to this matter remain confidential to Council.