Council CEO Welsh steps down

By Tania Martin
THE Shire of Cardinia last week announced the departure of its chief executive officer Don Welsh, but declined to comment on the details surrounding his departure.
Mr Welsh had been on extended leave since the start of the year, and the announcement of his departure has ended weeks of speculation about the CEO’s future.
Emerald Ward councillor Graeme Legge said that since joining the council in April 1998, Mr Welsh had proved himself as a man of vision and enterprise.
Cr Legge said Mr Welsh’s appointment was the most appropriate move that the council could have taken at the time he was appointed.
He said an example of Mr Welsh’s vision for the shire was the negotiation of an agreement with Delfin, which has brought about the development of Lakeside in Pakenham.
Cr Legge said Mr Welsh’s vision for the shire had also brought forward its inclusion in the Princes Highway bypass project by more than five years.
“His (Welsh’s) negotiating skills, and his involvement in major projects contributed to the shire setting a direction for future growth and management of the municipality,” he said.
Cr Legge said the council was fortunate to have Mr Welsh as CEO as he was highly esteemed in local government and within state politics.
Former Cardinia councillor Max Papley said during his time on the council Mr Welsh did a remarkable job.
Mr Papley said Mr Welsh’s departure would be a great loss to the shire.
“I think it is strange that the new council has been in a month, and I am surprised that they could judge the merits of Mr Welsh in that time. It is a sad loss for the shire,” he said.
Emerald Village Committee member John Dudley said the general feeling amongst local residents was that it was time that the council had someone new as the CEO.
He said many residents were unhappy with the direction that the council was taking during Mr Welsh’s time as CEO.
Mr Dudley said many of the residents felt that more money was being directed towards the growth corridor of the shire with new developments including the Pakenham Swimming Pool, instead of focussing on basic services like roads.
The council is now reviewing its strategic direction and expects to invite applications for the position of CEO shortly.
Meanwhile, council’s general manager of corporate services, Garry McQuillan, will continue in his current position of acting CEO.
The council said it wishes Mr Welsh well in his future endeavours.