It's five weeks since council's new CEO, Dr Clare Allen, joined us and so far I couldn't be happier with the results she is delivering.
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Although Dr Allen did have earlier experience in local government, she came to us through the non-government sector, and brings a swathe of broader picture experience in management and forward planning.
In one media interview, Dr Allen said she supports long-term planning, even to seven generations ahead, which delights me because the long-term view is in my veins also.
A good part of what appealed about council for me from the get-go was the huge amount of strategic planning council does as a matter of course, and did during my first councillor term, 1995-1999 with Frank Harrison as mayor.
Our area faces huge problems ahead due to burgeoning growth and exploding costs of infrastructure, and I am very reassured that Dr Allen has a good eye on the big issues.
I am distinctly saddened by Cr Lee Dixon's departure, it having been my great pleasure to work with him since his election in 2016.
I will seriously miss his positivity, and knowing he always had his eye on community empowerment and better communications. All my best wishes to him, his family and business.
That leaves only six councillors, out of the usual nine, to finish the extra year of service that was added to this term due to COVID.
Local government elections are scheduled for September 4, so please keep a lookout for good people possibly interested to stand. I am as always happy to chat with potential candidates.
This week's extraordinary meeting concerned just one operational item - the 3.4km Ocean Drive duplication.
Council will gratefully accept the NSW government's $60 million contribution, thank you Leslie Williams, and borrow to cover the resulting $30 million shortfall, while also continuing to approach the federal government for significant assistance.
- Cr Intemann's opinions are not necessarily council's