GRANT District Council has welcomed interim chief executive officer Graeme Maxwell, who is settling into the temporary role.
The former long-serving chief executive officer of City of Victor Harbor, Mr Maxwell says he is looking forward to steering the council over coming months.
Mr Maxwell will remain in the position until a permanent executive is appointed following the departure of Trevor Smart earlier this month.
Sitting down with The Border Watch just days after starting his position, the local government veteran reflected on his long civic career.
“I finished at the City of Victor Harbor in November last year and my intention was to take a few months off and recharge my batteries and come back into local government in a supporting type capacity,” he said.
Mr Maxwell was approached by Grant council to fill the temporary role.
Foreshadowing he could be in the role for about three months, he said council had started the recruitment process.
“It will depend on who is successful as to how long I am here given the applicant may have to give notice to their current employer.”
Mr Maxwell said he was “surprised” about the level of activity at Grant council given it was relatively small.
Explaining council’s budget was about two-thirds of the City of Victor Harbor’s, he said there were a variety of issues and projects under way.
He conceded the Glenburnie Saleyards and Mount Gambier Airport would throw up new challenges for him.
“I have not had any experience with these operations before,” Mr Maxwell said.
He revealed he was particularly excited about The Waterfront project at Port MacDonnell, which started last week.
Regarding the proposed redevelopment of the Mount Gambier Airport, Mr Maxwell said this remained a major priority for the council.
“At my first visit to the airport I could see the potential there and Grant council has put forward a significant grant application,” Mr Maxwell said.
“There is quite a bit planned, which would be very good for the community.”
