Council's new general manager named

Greg Winton

A MAN with extensive experience in local government in regional areas has today been named the incoming general manager for the Derwent Valley Council. Mayor Martyn Evans told a council staff meeting late this afternoon that Greg Winton had been selected to lead the council's administration.

“From a strong field of candidates, we conducted a thorough recruitment process with assistance from consulting company KPMG and determined Greg had the skills and experience we were seeking from the 66 applications received for the role,” Councillor Evans said.

Mr Winton's background includes 11 years as general manager of the Circular Head Council, six years at Waratah-Wynyard Council, and most recently, one year as interim general manager of the West Coast Council. At the time of Mr Winton's departure from the Waratah-Wynyard Council last year, Mayor Robby Walsh said he had been with that council since 2008 and had developed a number of initiatives that put the council in a sound position.

In a statement released by the council, Mr Winton said he was looking forward to moving to the Derwent Valley and would work hard for strategic, future-focused and positive outcomes in the years ahead. His focus would be on working with the council and the community to support the delivery of high quality local services. “Building strong relationships with other levels of government and neighbours in the region will assist in making the Derwent Valley a more front of mind destination for visitors and additional economic investment also,” Mr Winton said.

Cr Evans said the new general manager would receive an annual salary package of $190,000 including all entitlements, plus a laptop computer and up to $7000 per annum for communications, conferences and memberships.

The mayor also acknowledged the long service of the outgoing general manager, Stephen Mackey. “On behalf of past and present councillors, council staff and the community, I wish Stephen well and sincerely thank him for his contribution over the past 15 years to our community,” he said. While speaking at the staff meeting Cr Evans described Mr Mackey as a friend and mentor to many members of the staff. Mr Mackey's term as general manager ends on June 30 after a two-week handover to Mr Winton.