By Chris Thomson | posted on July 6, 2018
A MAJOR overhaul of the top echelons of Denmark’s shire administration is underway, with the positions of chief engineer and chief planner being rolled into one, and a Community Emergency Services Manager position advertised and about to be filled after the incumbent’s contract expired.
Shire CEO Bill Parker told The Weekender that the contracts of two of his three 2ICs, Director Sustainable Development Annette Harbron and Director Infrastructure and Assets Gilbert Arlandoo, would expire in January 2019.
The contract of Community Emergency Services Manager Marcus Owen expired on Saturday.
Mr Parker said the position filled by Mr Owen had been advertised, with an offer made to a preferred candidate.
He explained that the two director positions currently filled by Ms Harbron and Mr Arlandoo would be rolled into one.
“In this instance, a single director looking after the planning, building and engineering functions will deliver greater consistency, with the revised structure further complementing our overall strategic direction, Denmark 2027,” he said.
“The combined position will focus on the Shire’s integrated planning and reporting framework ensuring that service delivery is aligned with community expectations.
“The position will ensure that the Shire delivers a contemporary approach to asset management and all development functions and will be supported by highly competent and efficient technical officers.”
In many local authorities around the world, the chief engineer and chief planner roles are kept separate so that professional autonomy can be maintained, and a balance between oft-competing priorities of the two professions achieved.
Mr Parker said the combined director position would be advertised in September or October, and Ms Harbron and Mr Arlandoo had been encouraged to apply.
He said the decision to fuse the two director positions was “difficult” but “based on what was best for the organisation”.
“When any contract expires, we always review the role and our overall strategic direction,” he added.
Ms Harbron has held her position since January, 2011, and Mr Arlandoo his since January, 2016.
The third of Mr Parker’s current 2ICs, Cary Green, has been Director of Corporate and Community Services since February, 2017.
