INCOMING Mount Gambier City Council chief executive Andrew Meddle is looking forward to getting to know the community and current elected members when he arrives in May.
Speaking to The Border Watch this week, Mr Meddle said while his work life focus would be on delivering the best value to ratepayers, the United Kingdom native was eager to explore the region’s natural wonders.
“The region is very different to the Murraylands,” Mr Meddle said.
“Seeing a lovely environment which is rich in forestry and living in a city with so many opportunities is very exciting.”
Mr Meddle said his main goals with council would centre around long-term financial sustainability and ensuring community services “reach the ratepayers’ expectations”.
“I am looking forward to working on the community recreation centre and seeing what we can offer, as well as how we can get more visitors to spend more time within the region,” Mr Meddle said.
“The current elected members are passionate and an intelligent group of people who want the best for Mount Gambier and I am also looking forward to working alongside them.”
Mr Meddle migrated from the UK to Adelaide in October, 2012 with his wife and daughter.
Working with Murray Bridge council since January, 2013, Mr Meddle saw the opportunity at City Council as the next step for his career.
While in the UK, Mr Meddle was a leader in planning and transport where he worked on large projects such as the London Southend Airport redevelopment.
“The airport redevelopment was a significant project because it transformed the airport and the environment around it in an economic perspective,” Mr Meddle said.
“I was responsible for a number of things such as land dues, zoning and the decisions around transport needed to make it happen.”
The million-pound project included new hotels, a runway extension, two new terminals and more.
Familiar with the region, Mr Meddle said the community recreation centre was a focus of the interview process.
“I took the job here in Mount Gambier because my family and I knew the region and I am already working in a central city which is a similar size to Mount Gambier,” Mr Meddle said.
“The community recreation centre is more about building the theme of passion within City Council to enable elected members to learn and work on large projects as well as every day projects.
“The good thing about large cities is they are able to attract large projects but are still small enough for people to know and care for their environment and neighbours.”
The avid golfer also plans on hitting the local fairways.
“I want to make the most out of the two courses that are here,” Mr Meddle said.
“I am mainly looking forward to starting and beginning my journey of understanding what Mount Gambier is all about and how to make the best of the city and elected members.”
Mr Meddle will end his role with Murray Bridge council on May 24 and start in the Blue Lake city on May 27 with his family joining him in Mount Gambier at the end of the school year.
