By MATT NICHOLLS
SACKED Armidale Dumaresq Council general manager Shane Burns says he leaves with his head held high after 13 years in the top job.
In an exclusive interview with the Armidale Independent, Mr Burns said he believed the city was well placed to progress forward in the next decade.
“I think the Armidale community has a positive future,” he said.
“We are experiencing consistent annual growth, growth at the UNE and, with continued implementation of the digital economy strategy and 10-year economic development and tourism plans, there is no reason that the picture cannot be positive.
“The goal of reaching 30,000 in population within the next 10 years is achievable.”
Mr Burns said the business sector in Armidale had to adjust to the rise in technology.
“Obviously there are considerable threats to the growth of any community, such as online shopping, which is resulting in the transformation of business and the CBD in recent times,” he said.
“The communities that best work together and not blame each other to unite in meeting these challenges in partnership, will be the winners and have a bright future,” Mr Burns said.
“Those not willing to change and continue to blame others unfortunately will be the losers.”
The former general manager said people were too quick to blame the council for the town’s woes.
“I often hear that council and its planners have chased development away from Armidale, but the examples given, are from many decades ago and have become folklore,” he said.
“What must be recognised by the public is that planners in their development considerations and determinations, are obligated to adhere to the complex regulations and council’s development codes.
“I often get disappointed about the unfair criticism that staff receive, whether it be planning or staff in the field.
“There seems to be a culture of some people within the community that feel they have a right to unduly criticise and degrade council staff.
“I am not naive to think that council staff get everything right – staff are human – but in the main they do a great job in a highly regulated and visible work environment,” Mr Burns said.
“Council often receives recognition in writing from members of the community congratulating staff on their work. However good news does not seem to get the same airing.”
