3.30pm
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
CIVIC leaders say it will be hard to imagine the City of Greater Bendigo without chief executive Craig Niemann at the helm.
He will step down in 2023 after a final push on a host of projects including the council's move into new offices at Galkangu - also known as the Bendigo GovHub on Lyttleton Terrace.
Deputy premier Jacinta Allan has worked with Mr Niemann through much of her time as the member for Bendigo East.
"Craig is an outstanding local government leader," she said.
"I have seen first hand his commitment and dedication to serving our local community."
Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards said she had worked with Mr Niemann for almost 12 years.
"Craig has been unwavering in his pursuit of state support for Bendigo," she said.
"It's been a very positive partnership with the City of Greater Bendigo under the leadership of Craig, who is genuine and professional in all he does."
Be.Bendigo chief executive Rob Herbert said Mr Niemann would leave a legacy with leadership in key projects like the Bendigo Airport expansion and business land purchases in Marong.
"If you look at the language Craig uses ... 'do my best for the community', 'it's been an honour to serve', it epitomises just how devoted Craig has always been in gaining the best possible outcomes for the Greater Bendigo community and the surrounding local government areas," Mr Herbert said.
"Whilst it will be sad to see Craig eventually move on, he will leave COGB in great shape for his successor."
All three are looking forward to working with Mr Niemann during his final 18-month stint at the council.
Mr Niemann is himself reluctant to look back at his legacy with so much work left to do.
But by the time he has finished up he will have worked with at least 12 mayors and councillors elected in five different elections, not including byelections to fill council vacancies.
He will have served for roughly half of its modern era, which began in the mid-1990s after multiple shires were amalgamated into the City of Greater Bendigo.
Mr Niemann's links to local government in the city go back further.
He previously worked for the Shire of Eaglehawk, along with stints at other councils including the Shire of East Loddon and later the Shire of Loddon.
Mr Niemann plans to spend his final year-and-a-half overseeing a raft of projects including Bendigo Airport upgrades, new works at the city's botanic gardens and the Galkangu office move.
He also wants to keep advocating for a slew of projects including early work on Commonwealth Games builds.
Earlier
City of Greater Bendigo chief executive Craig Niemann has confirmed he will step down at the end of 2023.
Greater Bendigo City Council has re-appointed Mr Niemann for a one-year term, effective from December 2022 to December 2023. His contract was due to end in December this year and it was mutually agreed by Council and Mr Niemann that he would serve an additional 12 months.
After this time, Mr Niemann will depart the City of Greater Bendigo after 16 years as CEO and two years as a Director prior to that.
Mr Niemann said he welcomed the one-year contract and felt after the City moved to Galkangu - Bendigo GovHub - it would be the right time to step away.
"It has been a great honour to lead the City of Greater Bendigo. We are on the cusp of an exciting transition for our organisation and I am grateful that I will be able to see this significant project through," he said.
"I strongly believe it will take our organisation to another level regarding performance, collaboration and efficiency, and allow us to deliver greater outcomes for our community.
OTHER STORIES
"Over the coming 18 months we also plan to complete the Bendigo Airport terminal expansion and the Bendigo Botanic Gardens Central Hub, finishing this amazing public space for our community.
"There are also major projects we still seek state and federal funding for, in particular the Bendigo Art Gallery and Golden Dragon Museum redevelopments and the Bendigo Regional Employment Precinct.
"A further year will allow for continued advocacy to attract the financial support needed to get these projects off the ground and contribute to the considerable planning required for Bendigo to host the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games.
"It is not yet time for reflection because there is still much to do, but I have always been very proud to fill the CEO role and the organisation's service to the community.
"I am still excited and energised by the task and know that come December next year, I will be ready to hand over the reins at a time that's right for the organisation, for Council to appoint a new CEO during its current term, and for me and my family."
"Craig is a highly regarded CEO in local government with an outstanding reputation and excellent relationships at the state and federal level. We face a critical time with an upcoming state election and the move to Galkangu - Bendigo GovHub, so certainty and continuity at the CEO level is important over the coming 18 months," Cr Metcalf said.
"The Galkangu - Bendigo GovHub - project has been a long-term goal for the organisation and public sector in our community, so it is fitting that he guide staff and Council through this period of change for the business and oversee people settling into the new building.
"In making this decision, Council has time to prepare for the organisation's next chapter. We will seek to advertise the CEO role in mid-2023, to allow for a thorough search and smooth transition in late 2023, early 2024.
"Craig is to be commended for his strategic, measured and thoughtful approach as CEO, driven by a desire to get the best outcomes for the community. The Greater Bendigo Local Government brand is strong because of his exceptional leadership and Council looks forward to continuing to work with Craig while planning for the organisation's ongoing success."
When Mr Niemann departs in December 2023, he will have served a distinguished 40 years in Local Government, having previously worked at the Borough of Eaglehawk and Shire of East Loddon (prior to Council amalgamations), and then the Shire of Loddon.
If you're reading this it's because you're a loyal subscriber to the Bendigo Advertiser. If you want to get more out of your subscription join the discussion on the Bendigo Advertiser's subscriber group on Facebook today.