Macedon Ranges Shire Council is implementing some organisational changes to support Council’s new strategic direction and commitment to partnering and delivering great outcomes for the community.
The Council will transition to a four directorate arrangement in early 2022, which includes the establishment of a community-focused directorate.
The four directorates, which will report to the CEO office, will include:
- Assets and Operations Directorate: Facilities and Operations, Assets and Project Management Office, Open Space and Recreation, Engineering and Resource Recovery.
- Community Directorate: Community Wellbeing; Children, Youth and Family Services; Community Strengthening (including Arts and Culture, Community Development, Customer Service, Emergency Management).
- Corporate Directorate: Finance and Reporting, Information Services, People and Wellbeing.
- Planning and Environment Directorate: Strategic Planning and Environment, Economic Development and Visitor Economy, Statutory Planning, Safer Communities.
Chief Executive Officer, Bernie O’Sullivan said the changes will ensure Council’s functions are aligned to achieve the best possible community outcomes and that staff are set up for success in their roles.
“One of my first priorities since joining Council in May was to really understand what’s working well, what gaps are present and what opportunities lie ahead.
“Together with the Executive team, we’ve completed an organisational review that responds to gaps and opportunities identified from last year’s organisational changes, and acknowledges feedback received from staff, councillors and the community.
“An internal consultation process indicated strong support for establishment of the four directorate model, and having dedicated Community and Corporate directorates to complement our existing Assets and Operations and Planning and Environment directorates,” he said.
The changes also align with Council’s new strategic direction following the adoption of several important plans and strategies such as the 10-year Community Vision, Council Plan, Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, Financial Plan, Disability Action Plan; and the requirements of the new Local Government Act 2020.
“In addition to the new Act, there have been key changes in other areas of government policy and direction such as social and affordable housing and the Victorian Government’s Big Housing Build, which we need to acknowledge and plan for.
“The continuing pandemic and June storm have also highlighted the benefit of moving to a community-focused-directorate, as it will further link together Council’s key community facing support functions such as community development and social recovery, emergency management and customer support.
“This move provides a clear signpost that our focus is squarely on partnering with and delivering for the community, and doing it in a way that puts the customer in the centre of our work,” he said.
Council aims to have the new directorates in place in early 2022.
