Margaret Abbey and Cr Leigh Dunscombe

Kinglake Councillor Leigh Dunscombe used the expression “fantastic” three times to express his complimentary opinion of Murrindindi Shire Council retiring Chief Executive Officer Margaret Abbey and her team.

“Our Council is in a very sound financial position in comparison to many other small rural councils around the country and that is due, in no small part, to the fantastic leadership of our Chief Executive Officer and her Executive Management Team,” Cr Dunscombe told the December 20 meeting of Council.

“As we all know, Margaret Abbey is leaving us and our new CEO Craig Lloyd will be joining us on January 8. “He has some very big shoes to fill and I am sure that he will be eternally grateful for the fantastic legacy that Margaret is leaving both in terms of finances and the fantastic team of Council officers that she has built. “Margaret will be sadly missed by us all and I am sure that I speak for everyone in wishing Margaret all the very best for the future and a heartfelt thanks from us all.”

Cr Dunscombe said: “With all the end of financial year reports and activities finalised, and now in the rear vision mirror, it is now time along with all the Council officers and staff to turn our focus back to the future.

“While much has been achieved in a very short period of time there is still a plethora of things to prepare for and plan.
“We need to be aware that we need to adopt our next budget at the end of June. While that may seem to be a long time away we are all only too well aware of the extensive consideration, consultation and planning that is involved in both the capital and operational budgets and the importance that our communities place in getting them right.

“As we all know, not everyone will agree with all of the decisions that we make as Councillors in regard to the budgets and there is no doubt that we will face some unexpected challenges and criticisms along the way.

“Despite this, I for one will take comfort in the knowledge that every decision we take will be in the best interests of our communities and the future prosperity of our shire,” Cr Dunscombe said.

“The Audit Advisory Committee has met for the final time this year and has set the audit priorities for next year which include:
• Waste Management
• Contract Management
• Local Law Enforcement

“These are all issues that have been topics of discussion over the past 12 months and I am sure will benefit from a review.
“In closing I would like to once again thank Margaret Abbey, Michael Chesworth, Stuart McConnell and all of the Council officers for all their efforts, guidance and support over the year and a very big thank you to my fellow Councillors, a better group of people I could not have wished for,” Cr Dunscombe said.