Tweed Shire Council General Manager Mike Rayner has announced he is stepping down from the office in six months’ time, with his last day at the helm on April 27, 2012.
Mr Rayner, 59, said the advance notice of his retirement would provide sufficient time for Council to recruit a replacement before a new Council is elected in September 2012 and would avoid any crossover in the recruitment process.
“I am very relaxed about the decision that I have made – life is short and it is important to always keep that in perspective,” he said
“I am excitedly looking forward to the next stage of my life, notwithstanding that there is still much to do in the next six months.
“The elected body is supportive and appreciative of the organisation and the management team and has an excellent understanding of the role of the General Manager, and the special relationship that exists between the General Manager, Council and the organisation.
“I am very confident that they will ensure stability through the transition period,” he said.
Mr Rayner began his career at Tweed Shire Council as a Water Engineer in 1982, progressing to the role of Director Engineering Services. After a period as Acting General Manager, he was appointed to the role of General Manager in May 2006.
Under Mr Rayner’s leadership, Tweed Shire Council recently won this year’s A R Bluett Memorial Award, the most prestigious local government award in NSW and the highest accolade to which any council can aspire. Council was also awarded three R H Dougherty Awards for excellence in communications in the past 15 months.
Tweed mayor Councillor Barry Longland said Mr Rayner had been an asset to Tweed Shire Council and the broader Tweed community and would be greatly missed.
“On the one hand, I’m disappointed we’re going to lose him, as he has provided great leadership for this council,” Councillor Longland said.
“Mike has been the interface between the elected body and the organisation, a role he’s performed in a very professional way. He has been a great asset to the Councillors.
“On the other hand, the long lead time Mike has given us to make a new selection will benefit that transition and that’s very much appreciated. That’s an indication of his commitment to the organisation,” he said.
“I understand he will continue to live in Murwillumbah and remain an active member of this community, which has been part of his and his family’s life for the past 30 years.”
