Director of sustainable development Neil Southorn has resigned from Griffith City Council.
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General Manager Brett Stonestreet thanked Mr Southorn’s dedicated service, and his regret at his resignation.
"It is with much regret that I advise of Neil Southorn's resignation from his position of Director Sustainable Development.
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“Neil has accepted the position of Director Environmental, Planning and Building Services at Bathurst City Council and will commence duties there on 20 November.
“Neil has been with Council since 2012 and since that time his team has achieved many very positive outcomes under often challenging circumstances.
“Griffith's confidence has certainly turned for the better especially in the last couple of years and the pressure is now more of managing the growth of our City.
“I sincerely thank Neil for his dedicated service to Council and wish he and his wife Joanne every success".
President of Griffith’s Business chamber Paul Pierotti claims now is the perfect chance to change how council manages his department.
“We wish Mr Southorn well in his new career,” Mr Pierotti said.
“But now there needs to be significant change in council’s attitude, behaviors and processes, and we need a much more progressive council who is in touch with the Griffith community.”
Mr Southorn joined Griffith City Council in 2012, and since then has been involved in a large number of Griffith based projects.
As Director of Sustainable Development, Mr Southorn was responsible for Planning and Environment, which included Land Use Planning, Development Assessment, Building Certification, Property, Urban Design, Strategic Planning, Environment and Health. He was also responsible for Community Development, Customer Services, Tourism and Economic Development.
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On his replacement, council said it will proceed with the same process of recruitment typical of Mr Southorn’s position.
“Council will commence a recruiting process consistent with the recruitment of other previously vacant Senior Staff positions.”
Council was approached to clarify any possible plans to restructure his portfolios, however details have yet to be confirmed.
Mr Southorn’s resignation comes after another senior staffer, Greg Lawrence, stepped aside from his position as manager of tourism and economic development in June.