By MATT NICHOLLS
GLENN Inglis says he has no ambition to be Armidale Dumaresq Council’s long-term general manager.
The man dubbed “Mr Fix It” made it clear from day one that he would only be in Armidale for as long as he was needed.
“It’s absolutely an iterim role only, and it will be for approximately six months,” Mr Inglis said.
The acting general manager, who replaces Shane Burns, will commute to Armidale from Tamworth during his tenure, but said he came to the role with an idea of some of the challenges facing the city.
Mr Inglis hinted that one of his major roles would be to look at the council’s financial situation.
“It is clear that local government in NSW is facing significant challenges,” he said.
“It’s most significant challenge is financial sustainability.
“Local government’s principal sources of revenue have declined dramatically over the last 30 years and the rooster is coming home.”
Mayor Laurie Bishop said he didn’t need to “pitch” the job offer to Mr Inglis.
“This is a great opportunity,” he said.
“We need to transition from having a permanent general manager who had been here for 13 years.
“It’s a difficult process and having Glenn in that role will be a big help,” Cr Bishop said.
“He has a wealth of experience as in local government and has been in this position before.”
In 2012 Mr Inglis was the acting general manager at Tenterfield Shire Council.
Before that he was the head of Tamworth Regional Council from 2005 to 2010 and previously led the Parry Shire Council for a decade.
Most recently, he has been a key member on the Independent Local Government Review Panel.
“Mr Inglis’ wealth of experience and intimate knowledge of NSW local government will position Armidale Dumaresq Council well in the immediate future,” Cr Bishop said.
“These are challenging times for local government and with Mr Inglis at the helm, the community can be assured that council will be functioning efficiently and striving for excellence.”
* Burns speaks, Pages 6-7
