THE new chief executive officer for Port Macquarie-Hastings Council will listen to feedback from the community about council's performance to ensure the organisation is living up to its vision and ratepayers' expectations.
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Dr Clare Allen was named council's new CEO following the departure of general manager Craig Swift-McNair who resigned in June to take up a new role at Woollahra Council in Sydney.
She said the focus will shift quickly to council's top priorities and ensuring it, and the community, is well-placed in planning for the future.
"Firstly, I will build solid relationships, with the mayor, councillors, staff and relevant stakeholders and focus on Port Macquarie's strategic priorities, such as community, business and environment, good governance and of course, leading council toward excellence and planning for an emerging future," Dr Allen said.
"In my first few months, I will listen to the concerns of the community and ensure that we are progressing as a council with our vision, which is about championing a sustainable, high quality of life for all."
She acknowledges the past 12 months have been extremely challenging for council staff and the broader community after bushfires, drought and a health pandemic have impacted every part of 'normal' life.
Read more: Who is Dr Clare Allen?
"As a CEO, I have always engaged and supported staff and worked at building a high-trust culture and I will do the same at Port Macquarie-Hastings."
Dr Allen would not be drawn on the allegations of bullying and harassment made by mayor Peta Pinson who this year openly called out "dysfunction" within council ranks.
Heated debate spilled over at the November ordinary meeting after Cr Pinson tabled a mayoral minute questioning some of the decision-making around interview selection procedures for the new CEO.
Dr Allen said it is not her place to comment on the former general manager and did not share an opinion about expected behaviours from elected officials under council's Code of Conduct.
"I have found the mayor, councillors and staff to be very welcoming and I am delighted at how many community members have contacted me, even prior to me commencing the role."
She said the Port Macquarie-Hastings region has a legacy of great contributions by many people and wants to build on that legacy.
"This is an exciting time for Port Macquarie-Hastings with many projects and improvements underway, made possible with the goodwill of business owners and residents," Dr Allen said.
"I am very keen to meet the staff team and find out how I can help them achieve the highest levels of job satisfaction possible and to ensure they have the right resources to do their jobs effectively.
"It goes without saying that it is a glorious part of the world. I am looking forward to serving and being part of the community."
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