Amid a shock merging of council’s tourism and business management teams, Manager Tourism and Events Linda Hall has accepted a position to manage the consolidated economic development and tourism sections of council.
Linda will commence her role as Manager Tourism and Economic Development on May 7 and will be a part of the process to proactively review organisational efficiencies and operational services in both tourism and economic development as they merge under one management structure and align with the business services group of council.
Manager Economic Development Trevor Sargeant completes more than 17 years of service to Council and the Port Macquarie business community on May 4.
Council would like to publicly thank Trevor for his invaluable contribution, he has been a strong contributor to a number of economic growth and development initiatives over this time.
Trevor’s work with business networks, including forestry, primary producers and the tertiary education sector has achieved tangible outcomes for the local government area.
Anyone who has attended Tastings of the Hastings, a Journey of Flavour event, a Customer Care event or indeed a Farmers Market will recognise Trevor’s efforts on the community’s behalf.
The consolidation of managerial roles is the first step in a full evaluation of the core functions of both sections and the way in which tourism and economic development services are delivered.
Council’s General Manager, Tony Hayward said these services need to be delivered in the best way possible to meet the continuing challenge of growth in the area.
Council will engage an independent consultant to conduct the evaluation, which is expected to take approximately three to four months. Research on other potential models for how best to deliver these services in a more sustainable manner in the future, will form part of the brief.
