GRANT District Council chief executive officer Trevor Smart will soon head to a neighbouring local government area to take up a similar position.
Mr Smart – who has been at the helm of Grant council for nearly six years – has been appointed chief executive officer with Naracoorte Lucindale Council.
It is understood the Naracoorte council received 50 applications for the prominent local government position.
Mr Smart – who took over the role from Russell Peate in 2012 – has been a pivotal figure in the regional local government landscape since arriving in the Blue Lake city.
The local government veteran has overseen a number of developments across the district, including the fishing infrastructure overhaul at Port MacDonnell and the masterplan to upgrade the Mount Gambier Airport.
He has also been vocal against increases to the controversial Natural Resources Management (NRM) Levy.
“Trevor is an experienced, highly regarded chief executive officer with extensive professional history in local government,” Naracoorte Lucindale Mayor Erika Vickery said.
“Following a very competitive and extensive selection process, Trevor’s extensive experience and strong leadership qualities earned him the position.
“We look forward to welcoming Trevor to the Naracoorte Lucindale Council.”
Mr Smart declined to speak with The Border Watch yesterday about the new role given he is yet to start in the position.
In a statement, Ms Vickery revealed council undertook a vigorous recruitment process.
“Council’s chief executive officer recruitment, performance review and remuneration committee undertook a thorough recruitment strategy to fill the chief executive officer position,” Ms Vickery said.
The committee assessed the applications, interviewed a short list of candidates and then made a recommendation to the council on an appointment.
The council then made the final decision.
Dr Helen Macdonald – the chief executive of the Naracoorte Lucindale Council from October 2011 – finished in the role at the end of January.
Mr Smart’s commencement date is yet to be decided.
