Independent Review reveals need for management overhaul
Date published: 14 October 2016
Townsville City Council today released the full Nous Group review report following a period of consultation with staff and unions.
Big reforms include cutting a third of management (22 positions) to achieve $5M in annual savings, running a leaner council with three operating divisions instead of five, and commencing a series of 24 projects that will drive greater efficiencies across council.
Council CEO Adele Young will lead the Review and project implementation including establishing a Business Transformation Taskforce that will help guide the delivery of the projects over the next 12 – 24 months. The Taskforce will be led by the CEO and will include private sector leaders in fields such as economic development and community engagement.
Townsville Mayor Cr Jenny Hill restated her earlier commitment that the new sleeker, management structure would not impact front-line staff or services.
“In total 24 projects will be activated to cut red tape, simplify operations, and work to boost local economic development and jobs,” Cr Hill said.
“Today’s decision delivers on a core commitment my team made to the residents of Townsville to reform what has been an overly bureaucratic business into a higher performing and more productive service for our community.”
Chief Executive Officer Adele Young said the implementation of priority projects would begin immediately with transition to the new structure expected to occur on Wednesday October 26.
“The new structure will be transformational for council, not just for financial sustainability and easing pressure on rates, but for building trust and confidence with the community,” Ms Young said.
“I have elevated in the structure the importance of economic development to capture the job and growth opportunities in front of the city currently, and sharpened our focus on decision making to ensure customers see us as faster, simpler and better to deal with.”
Management review key recommendations
Cut 22 management positions, removing a tier of senior management.
- Savings estimated at $5 Million annually
Consolidate number of divisions from five to three
- Infrastructure and Operations Division
- Planning and Community Engagement Division
- Chief Financial Officer (Division)
24 projects to roll out over 12 months – 24 Months
To target red tape, drive efficiencies and financial sustainability, economic development, community partnerships, including:
- Reduce management by 1/3
- Cut corporate overheads from 45% to 35%
- Slash excessive labour hire
- Savings through better council purchasing and local procurement
- Cut credit cards by 50%
- Boost council e-business by 50%
- Cut light fleet by 50%
Download and read the full report (PDF, 1.3 MB)
