Kiama Municipal Council is recruiting for senior executive roles as part of a management shakeup following a performance improvement order and a decision to sell off its aged care services.

Local government minister Wendy Tuckerman last year issued a Performance Improvement Order on Kiama, citing concerns about Council’s financial position, and appointed Peter Tegart as a temporary adviser.

“In deciding to issue a PIO, I have had particular regard to Council’s use of restricted funds for purposes other than the restricted purpose, evidence suggesting Council may not be able to pay its debts as they fall due, and the deterioration of Council’s financial position,” the minister said in letter to Council in November.

In a statement last week Kiama said “the organisation is currently undergoing a restructure and is right now building an executive team to help lead our workforce and set the business up for success.”

Recruitment is underway for a COO, a director infrastructure and liveability, and a director planning, environment and communities.

It’s us, not you

CEO Jane Stroud said there was nothing personal about the restructure and the changes didn’t reflect on any individual’s performance in their role. Rather, it was all about sustainability, she said.

“The new organisation structure is about right-sizing the Council and creating the operating framework for good public service to the people of Kiama Municipality,” Ms Stroud said.

“The way that the senior executive supports the business, engages with the Councillors and community will be critical as we deliver on the performance improvement order and move through the endorsed decision and processes to divest from aged care services”.  

Council announced last May it was selling its aged care business Blue Haven Illawarra via a public tender process to address council’s dire financial and operational situation.

Two-stage restructure

Ms Stroud said proposals for the updated management structure, which were presented internally to staff and the Councillors early last December, would continue to drive change over coming months.

“We’re starting with our directors and COO, as it’s critical to have the leadership team in place,” she said.

“We’ll also be moving quickly to fill any vacant roles and resource the organisation to deliver.”

Stage one of the organisational restructure is expected to be in place by mid year, with a second stage due to roll out after that.