Today Mornington Peninsula Shire Council CEO Mark Stoermer announced a major organisational restructure aimed at delivering improved customer service and long-term financial sustainability. The new structure aligns the organisation to the Council Plan and Council strategies.
On 7 May 2025, Council endorsed the operating expenses component of the 2025/26 Budget. This included a reduction in employee expenses of $5 million and service efficiencies of a further $5 million. The Budget identified the need for the Shire to take action to ensure that we remain financially sustainable and able to meet the current and future needs of our community.
A comprehensive review was undertaken with input from staff to arrive at a structure that not only ensures financial sustainability but looks at how Council can improve what we do, and how we do it to be more effective, efficient and customer centred.
The realignment significantly streamlines the leadership structure with the aim to ensure that leaders are leading and further, that leaders are managing an appropriate number of staff.
The restructure will result in up to 48 redundancies with redeployment opportunities identified for many of these staff members. Impacted staff are being provided with support. Importantly, a consultation process is in process across the organisation with the new structure to be finalised by mid-September.
Comments attributable to Mr Mark Stoermer, Chief Executive Officer:
"The new structure will set the organisation up for the long-term and deliver improved efficiencies in service delivery. I acknowledge that redundancies are unavoidable and necessary to ensure financial sustainability. "
"We will be saying good-bye to staff who have worked hard, and I want to acknowledge their contribution to the organisation and the community. These sorts of restructures are never easy, but they are required to deliver the rate payer value for their rates."
Comments attributable to Mayor Cr Anthony Marsh:
"Whilst decisions about individual staff are the responsibility of the CEO, it is important that the process is fair and compassionate. I thank the CEO for leading a thorough review that positions the organisation to significantly improve the way we serve our community while remaining financially sustainable. We are grateful for the dedication and contribution of all staff, and I look forward to how these changes will help us better meet the needs of our community into the future."
