The Office of Local Government has appointed a council engagement manager to assist Hunter councils in their dealings with the state government.
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Virginia Errington’s role will be to work with Hunter councils – including Lake Macquarie City Council - to support them to deliver key services and infrastructure to the community.
The state government’s rejection of Lake Macquarie City Council’s modelling for the Lake Macquarie Transport Interchange could well be on the agenda when Ms Errington visits the council at Speers Point.
Office of Local Government acting chief executive Tim Hurst said Ms Errington would be a valuable resource and contact point for Hunter councils.
“She will provide information and assistance to local councils on state government policy priorities and programs, and act as a conduit not just to the Office of Local Government but other NSW government agencies implementing changes and programs involving local councils,” Mr Hurst said.
Ms Errington brings more than 18 years of local government experience to the role, having worked for Blacktown, Camden, Holroyd and Liverpool councils.
She has a background in project management, corporate planning, policy development, performance management, research, and stakeholder engagement.
“I am excited to be a part of an initiative that will strengthen working relationships and connections between state and local government,” Ms Errington said.
“A primary role of a council engagement manager will be to better support councils in the delivery of services to their communities.
“I look forward to being able to help Hunter councils build strong and productive relationships with the Office of Local Government and other state agencies, and help them to work effectively together through the new Hunter Joint Organisation.”
Ms Errington is part of a team of newly appointed engagement managers for NSW.
Mr Hurst said the council engagement team would work with metropolitan, regional and rural councils in NSW to help them better serve their communities.
“Together the six council engagement managers in the team have more than 70 years’ experience in local government,” he said.
“They bring with them a range of skills and experience in fields including governance, community engagement, community development, environmental planning and sustainability, strategy and policy, integrated planning and reporting, and capacity building.
“Each manager will travel extensively and work with a cluster of councils on a regional basis as well as with joint organisations.
“They will work closely with Department of Premier and Cabinet regional directors and other state agency representatives in the regions as well as other teams from the Office of Local Government.
“This new team will be instrumental in changing the way in which the Office of Local Government engages with councils, other state agencies and the broader local government sector.”