UPDATE 5PM Bendigo council’s chief executive officer admitted it was disappointing to lose a senior manager following the resignation of director of presentation and assets, Craig Lloyd.
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Mr Lloyd, who has taken a CEO position at Murrindindi Shire Council, leaves council just over one year into a five-year contract.
Bendigo council CEO Craig Niemann said from an organisational point of view it was disappointing, but “we know when opportunities arise you have to put your hand up sometimes”.
“When you make appointments you hope there's a few years of contribution to the organisation, to council and the community,” he said.
Mr Niemann said the fact Mr Lloyd had been able to attain a CEO job with one year of experience in local government was a testament to the working environment at Bendigo council.
The timing of the resignation wasn’t ideal, according to Mr Niemann, with the council likely to backfill the role internally before deciding on a recruitment process.
EARLIER Bendigo council will lose a senior manager in early 2018 with director of presentation and assets, Craig Lloyd, taking up the chief executive officer position at Murrindindi Shire Council.
The move ends Mr Lloyd’s brief stint as a director at council, having held the position for just over a year.
Mr Lloyd will take over from retiring current CEO Margaret Abbey and the decision echoes the transition made by previous Bendigo council director of presentation and assets, Darren Fuzzard, who is now CEO of Mount Alexander Shire.
Announcing the appointment, Murrindindi shire mayor Charlie Bisset said she was thrilled.
“There is a real sense of possibility and opportunity among both councillors and staff. Following the feedback from the ‘Have Your Say’ campaign earlier this year, we are changing direction to ensure we engage, and work more closely with, the Murrindindi shire community to enhance our prosperity and to make our shire an even better place to live,” she said.
“Mr Lloyd has the experience, skills and qualifications to help guide the organization on this important journey. He also understands the challenges facing rural communities. He has a passion for community development and the business skills to ensure we remain on the right path.
“I am confident that he will help to advance our goals for improving how council works with the community and to meet any new challenges we might face.”
Mr Lloyd said he was delighted to have been appointed the shire’s new CEO.
“I look forward to working with the community, councillors and staff to deliver on council's plans,” he said.
“I am passionate about working with, and for, communities, driving quality service delivery and leading a passionate and engaged workforce”.
Four of five directors at Bendigo council resigned to pursue other opportunities from July 2015 – June 2016.
The council has since been restructured, with four directors now present within the organisation.
Bendigo council CEO Craig Niemann thanked Mr Lloyd for his efforts and enthusiasm over the past 12 months.
“Craig has provided continued leadership on the development of the major projects, including the delivery of stage two of the Bendigo Airport redevelopment, bringing the Bendigo Stadium expansion to near completion and the ongoing works to the Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre,” he said.
“He has overseen the development of the waste services review, which is a large and ongoing piece of work, and the roll out of the organics collection service to urban Bendigo and Marong.
“Internally, he has provided great support to the new Council in the first year of its term and contributed to the restructure process.”
Mr Lloyd’s last day will be December 15.
