Neil Porter has been
appointed as Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s new Administrator following the resignation of Garry Payne last week.
Mr Porter will commence duties as Administrator on April 30, with Mr Payne finishing up on April 29.
Mr Payne officially made the announcement of his resignation last Wednesday.
“I have very mixed feelings about leaving, but it is the right time for me personally to move on. Travelling up to 1000km a week to be in Port Macquarie on average three days a week has taken a toll.
“Apart from the impact of travel, I have enjoyed my time here and appreciate the support and assistance I have received from Council staff and members of the community,” Mr Payne said.
Appointed as Admin-istrator after the departure of Dick Persson in February 2009, Mr Payne has also focussed on significant community consultation during his 27-month term.
The Minister for Local Government, the Hon Don Page MP, announced Mr Porter as the new Administrator last Thursday.
“Mr Porter brings a wealth of local government experience to the role, having worked for many years in the sector at senior management level,” said Mr Page.
“Not only is Mr Porter an experienced local govern-ment practitioner, he is also a local person who has an excellent understanding of the local community and the challenges it faces.”
One of the urgent matters Mr Porter will need to deal with is the appointment of a new General Manager.
Council’s Acting General Manager Jeffery Sharp acknowledged that the transition to a new Administrator would have an impact on staff.
“Certainly this is a major change from an organisational point of view but I have every confidence that our staff will continue to deliver valued services to the community during this adjustment phase.”
