The appointment was made after an extraordinary council meeting at midday on Thursday.

Mr Swift-McNair returned to Port Macquarie-Hastings Council as the corporate and business services director in early 2012 after a two-year stint at Greater Taree City Council.

He had earlier worked at Port Macquarie-Hastings Council as manager of business services.

Mr Swift-McNair led our council's renamed commercial services and industry engagement division with responsibilities spanning economic development and tourism, The Glasshouse, environmental laboratory, business services and financial services. 

He has been the council's acting general manager since February.

Recruitment to fill the general manager's role started in May.

Mayor Peter Besseling said council’s future now had great promise and the councillors were confident that Mr Swift-McNair could lead this large organisation to serve the community’s needs and realise the potential of the region.

“Councillors were seeking the best mixture of commercial experience with local government knowledge,” Cr Besseling said.

“Mr Swift-McNair has a proactive attitude and the ability to lead by example, I’m confident he will promote this attitude throughout the whole organisation.”

Deputy Mayor Adam Roberts echoed Cr Besseling’s sentiment and believed the appointment of Mr Swift-McNair was made on merit.

“The recruitment process was a transparent one and consistent with the relevant legislation,” Cr Roberts said.

“In my view Mr Swift-McNair has a clear mandate to ensure his staff delivers positive outcomes for this community.”