A new acting general manager was announced by interim administrator Viv May PSM on March 17, 2021.
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Les McMahon, former general manager for Wollondilly Shire Council, will take over as acting general manager of Wingecarribee Shire Council on March 22.
Mr McMahon will take over the role from current acting general manager John Burgess after Barry Paull stepped away from the role.
Mr May said that the appointment of a new acting general manager had nothing to with an alleged incident that involved Mr Paull.
"The reason why I have appointed someone independent is not that I don't have confidence in the staff," he said.
"But some of the things that I've told by residents in relation to staff and by councillors in relation to matters before the council requires fresh eyes.
"Unless fresh eyes look at their concerns, there will be a 'same old, same old' mentality.
"There's been a lot of internal appointments over the years. I'm not saying that's bad and I'm not saying that it's good but I just think the time has come for fresh eyes."
Mr May said Mr McMahon was "well regarded" in the industry and was confident that would assist in taking the council forward.
"There are a number of matters that I consider require addressing and no doubt further matters will be brought to my attention and have 'fresh eyes' oversee that process should be seen as an important step in restoring public confidence," he said.
Mr May also said the appointment of a new general manager would be the most important matter he would deal with within the three months.
"I have already initiated discussions with the recruitment managers, LGNSW, and asked that the position be advertised for a further 14 days to allow persons who may not have applied the chance to do so now that the circumstances have changed," he said.
"In addition, I will be seeking two community representatives to assist in the selection process. Suspended and former councillors, candidates for election, past and prospective will not be considered.
"It is just not realistic to defer this matter until September in view of the importance of stability and to assist a new council to move forward.
"The opportunity now presents for an independent process in which the community can have total confidence."
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