Some of the stories making local government news today:
Gannawarra Shire Council has appointed from within to replace its outgoing CEO. Geoff Rollinson commences a three year term in the position from today, stepping up from Director Infrastructure and Development. Mr Rollinson, who takes over from Tom O’Reilly, has been with the shire since amalgamation in 1995.
Mr O’Reilly finished at Gannawarra Shire yesterday after 6 1/2 years, and after the Council resolved earlier in the year to advertise the CEO position.
Keep track of Victorian Council CEO appointments here.
A by-election has been set to fill a vacancy on Mornington Peninsula Shire Council after the election of Paul Mercurio to State Parliament. Election day will be 18th March in Watson Ward, with the close of the roll at 4pm on Friday 20th January.
Victoria’s West Wimmera Shire Council has attracted criticism for proposed changes to its media relations policy. The ABC reports that new powers for the CEO to refuse media requests that aim to embarrass Councillors or staff members have been described as “fundamentally undemocratic”.
The mayors of four NSW shires are pleading for government support to save their local communities.
Murray River, Edward River, Federation and Berrigan Shire Councils say hundreds of millions in tourist dollars are in jeopardy unless financial assistance is provided to help businesses crippled by the devastation of recent floods.
In the City of Greater Geelong, a civic centre car park has sold at auction for $22.6M. It is the first of four assets earmarked for sale by the Council this year, with proceeds to be used to help fund community facilities and services.
And Hepburn Shire Council has sold the Rex building in Daylesford for $3.75M after a public expression of interest process. Six formal submissions were received, and the successful bidders have been name as local entrepreneurs and businesspeople Eddy and Malinka Comelli, and David and Yuge Bromley.