Gannawarra CEO to Go

Gannawarra Shire Council CEO Tom O’Reilly’s contract will not be renewed. Mr O’Reilly was quoted as saying the move was politically motivated. 

Mr O’Reilly, who is based in Shepparton, has been CEO of the council since 2017 and has had a mix of supporters and critics among current and former councillors. Councillors have expressed frustration at enquiries made to the CEO into council matters being classified as ‘operational’ excluding the information from councillor review.

In October last year, councillors Garner Smith, Keith Link and Kelvin Burt tried to move a motion to sack Mr O’Reilly.

Could a change in leadership at Gannawarra Shire Council help restore the plummeting community confidence of the council performance? A recent survey of 400 locals showed the second-worst results in a decade, an overall rating of 54 out of 100.

Councillor Garner Smith said the past few years had provided an interesting contrast.

“We have seen a renewal of community facilities with a strong capital works program funded by state and federal governments.

“During COVID-19, we have seen strong income growth in the agricultural sector and increased interest in what Gannawarra can offer in terms of lifestyle.

“At the same time, Gannawarra has seen extraordinarily low community satisfaction surveys, controversy over the management and future of community assets, governance concerns, councillors resigning and a dramatic clean out of councillors at the last election.

“We need a council with high expectations in the areas of governance and accountability.

“A council that understands issues from a community perspective. A council that brings the goals of Gannawarra to State and Federal Governments, rather than bringing the goals of those governments to Gannawarra.”

With the fantastic assets of the Gannawarra Shire Council, its industries and communities, the possibilities are endless. We wish Gannawarra Shire councillors the very best in their search.