There has been a changing of the guard at the top of Tweed Shire Council’s management structure, with a new General Manager assuming the role this week.
David Keenan officially started in the role on Monday, following the retirement of Mike Rayner after 30 years with Council, including the past six years in the top job.
Mr Keenan, 46, has moved to the Tweed from his role as chief executive officer of Mitchell Shire Council on the northern outskirts of Melbourne, and has a strong background in environmental and economic planning.
“The first thing I would like to do is acknowledge the good work and significant contribution Mike Rayner has made to Tweed Shire and its residents,” Mr Keenan said.
“I am looking forward to the challenge of achieving sustainable development in Tweed Shire.
“Ensuring there are strong economic development opportunities that can be accommodated in a manner that do not impact the local environment and are supported by an engaged community, is an outcome I will be seeking to achieve.
“I am looking forward to going out to talk to different groups and individuals to understand what the issues are, where Council can improve on the services it delivers and how we can be better engaged with the community,” he said.
Mr Keenan has a Masters Degree in Business Administration, a Postgraduate Diploma in Planning and the Environment, and is a long-time board member of Environs Australia, a local government environmental network with the goal of achieving improved sustainability.
“I believe the economic, environmental and social infrastructure in Tweed Shire has the potential to be utilised to create competitive advantages that add value to the Tweed’s diverse communities,” he said.
Mr Keenan was the inaugural chairperson of Economic Development Australia, was recently appointed as part of a six-person Ministerial Advisory Committee to review the Victorian Planning System and has been involved with a number of not-for-profit organisations.
Away from the office, Mr Keenan is a keen surfer, basketball player and junior basketball coach. He has been joined in his move north by his wife Jane and children Charlotte, 14, and Harry, 11.
