Adjustments to Council's staff structure have been proposed for the second phase of workplace change designed to simplify, centralise and streamline operations to be more financially sustainable.
The proposal is an extension of the restructure implemented in December 2024, which reduced the number of directorates from six to four, cutting two executive roles, removing some roles and shifting several departments.
Acting CEO, Brian Barrett has worked with the executive to progress the next iteration of structural reform to strengthen the efficiencies, further reduce costs and provide some clarity to staff.
"In my short time here, I've been impressed by the dedication of staff, their commitment to their work and their resilience during times of uncertainty. It's clear that financial sustainability for the long term is a pressing priority for everyone, particularly to Council employees seeking some direction about the future," Mr Barrett said.
"The structural review has been grounded in a practical understanding of the works that are needed and the services the community relies on, balanced against the financial constraints Council is currently operating within."
"It is my intention that these reforms equip the organisation to better respond to the evolving local government landscape and realise the efficiencies that the staff and the Council have set out to achieve," he said.
Under the Sustainable Financial Futures Plan 2024-29, Council is committed to reducing its operating costs by $3.5 million in 2025-26 financial year, through the critical review of positions and vacancies.
The proposed restructure includes disestablishing more than 50 positions - the majority of which are vacant - and enabling 14 new positions to better align with Council's operational needs. This would achieve an additional $1.1 million above the $3.5 million wages cost savings, bringing the total to $4.6 million for 2025-26.
Consultation with staff is now underway and implementation of the changes would occur late October 2025.
