Council's New Managerial Team Hits The Ground Running

Scenic Rim Regional Council’s new executive leadership team has hit the ground running.

Mayor Greg Christensen said the four new General Managers have been working diligently to build relationships within the community and the Council organisation since taking up their positions in December.

"We have big expectations of our new leadership team," he said.

"It is now more than 10 years since amalgamation and, with a new planning scheme for the whole region in the final stages of development, the appointment of these key positions marks the beginning of a new chapter in the Scenic Rim story.

"Following the arrival of our new CEO Jon Gibbons in March 2018, a period of review occurred.

"Council determined in August 2018 that it needed to 'Refresh and Refocus' Scenic Rim Regional Council as it was clear that we were missing opportunities to be the efficient, effective and agile organisation that the community needs and expects.

“With the additional opportunities and challenges as our region continues to grow strongly, we will continue to explore ways to be better, to be more efficient and to be more productive to meet the needs and expectations of our community."

The new managerial team comprises General Manager People and Strategy Jennifer Schafer, General Manager Customer and Regional Prosperity Debra Howe, General Manager Council Sustainability Oliver Pring and General Manager Asset and Environmental Sustainability Chris Gray, working closely with Chief Executive Officer Jon Gibbons.

"CEO Jon Gibbons and the new General Managers bring fresh thinking and vast experiences from the local government and government sectors as well as private industry, supported by Chris Gray who has long-term knowledge of the Scenic Rim, which is extremely valuable to the new team," Cr Christensen said.

"Community members who have met the new team have been very supportive and have expressed a desire to see a change of culture within the Council organisation.

"Our community can expect to see a new focus on them - our customer - stronger engagement and new ways of Council doing business through changes to our internal systems and processes in line with a modern and contemporary organisation. This will also present improved professional development opportunities for our staff.

"Council is looking forward to building a strong partnership with the executive team and to the exciting opportunities ahead for Scenic Rim Regional Council and the community."

CEO Jon Gibbons added: "We are here to deliver services and facilities for the Scenic Rim community in the most cost-effective and efficient manner possible to save costs to the community and deliver the best value for rates paid by our residents."

Cr Christensen said evidence from a range of data sources showed the Scenic Rim region was in the middle of a significant period of transformation.

"I am confident that, as we Refresh and Refocus, we will better support our regional growth as a strong Scenic Rim," he said.