A status report to Council’s November meeting outlined the strategic and operational improvement initiatives that have been implemented in 2018.

The report said a key component of the program had been the introduction of a new leadership structure to deliver Council’s future strategies and plans. 

Savings of approximately $160,000 have already been achieved up to 30 June 2018, with annual ongoing cost savings of approximately $1.1 million expected to be achieved. Consequently, the cost of the organisational transformation program will have a payback period of less than two years. 

Some of the key initiatives that have been, or are in the process of being, implemented to deliver significant improvements from a governance, efficiency and innovation perspective include: 

• Establishment of key governance functions in the areas of audit and risk, information communication technology, project management, integrated planning and reporting, fleet management and procurement

• Creation of a strategic asset planning function 

• Establishment of the Commercial Business unit 

• Establishment of a grants and contributions function 

• Commencement of several information technology projects, most notably the replacement of Council’s corporate business system 

• Development of a financial sustainability plan 

• Establishment of an Economic Development & Tourism Steering Group 

In acknowledging the progress made to date, General Manager Craig Milburn thanked the staff. 

“Our staff have taken on and embraced a huge volume of change in the last 12 months and still continued to deliver for the community. 

“It is a credit to their passion and commitment to the Macleay and gives me confidence in looking to the future,” said Mr Milburn. 

To view Council’s organisational transformation update report, visit: http://www.kempsey.nsw.gov.au/council/meetings/2018/index.html