Stuart McConnell has left Murrindindi Council

Stuart McConnell has moved on from one of the top jobs at Murrindindi Shire Council.

Mr McConnell has left his position as Director of Assets and Development, after just under three years in the job.

He was commuting to work at the Alexandra offices each week, with his family based in Heidelberg.

Mr McConnell has gone on to become General Manager – Place and Community at East Gippsland Shire Council at Bairnsdale.

Mr McConnell found controversy earlier this year when he issued what The Local Paper called a clumsy news release about roadside traders at Glenburn.

More than 500 people protested about the issue, and the Council was forced to make an embarrassing U-turn on Mr McConnell’s directive.

There had been some concern in senior Council circles that some paperwork had been circulating in Mr McConnell’s name after he had left its emply.

Mr McConnell had been on a salary in the $150,000-$159,999 range at Murrindindi.

He had previously held senior positions with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, including Principal Advisor – Forest, Fire and Regions and Director – Ecological Policy.

Before that, Mr McConnell had been Director – Environment Protection Reform at the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victoria.

Acting in the Director’s role in a temporary position is Vito Albicini, who has worked in local government for 25 years, with experience working at both metro and rural councils. “Vito has more than 30 years experience in civil engineering. He has a strong commitment to provide exceptional customer service and deliver great outcomes for the community,” says the Council website.

The Council had not issued any statements about Mr Mc-Connell’s departure.