Shane Marshall elected as inaugural Groote Archipelago Regional Council CEO

The prospective Groote Eylandt council has elected its new chief, in preparation for the delayed council elections in March.

Groote Archipelago Regional Council is in the process of de-amalgamating from East Arnhem Regional Council. Picture: Facebook

The prospective Groote Eylandt council has elected its new chief, in preparation for the delayed council elections in March.

The Groote Archipelago Regional Council (GARC) announced the appointment of Shane Marshall as its inaugural chief executive officer.

Mr Marshall was director of technical and infrastructure services at the East Arnhem Regional Council for more than a decade, and has 19 years of leadership experience in the local government sector.

“(Mr Marshall’s) extensive experience, visionary leadership, and deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing local governments make him the ideal person to guide us into the future,” constituting member Michael Malouf said.

“Shane’s commitment to community-first leadership aligns with our vision for the new council to truly represent the aspirations and voices of the communities of the Archipelago.”

The Groote Archipelago Regional Council (GARC) has announced Shane Marshall as its inaugural Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Picture: Supplied.

Groote council elections were due to be held in October, but were pushed back five months at the last minute due to debate over the council’s structure.

The split from East Arnhem Regional Council was the result of years of lobbying from Anindilyakwa traditional owners who wished to take back control of local government affairs for their communities in the Gulf of Carpentaria.

East Arnhem council has expressed concerns about the annexation, fearing the new Groote council had been set up to fail by a funding shortfall, opening the door to unwanted cash and influence from the Anindilyakwa Land Council.

In a statement, Groote council said Mr Marshall’s immediate priority as chief executive would be to lay the groundwork for the council elections, and support the newly elected representatives in their roles.

Following the election it said he would work closely with the newly formed council to deliver its vision for Groote, including its commitment to Local Decision Making, empowering communities to take control of services and programs that directly impacted their lives.

Mr Marshall said he felt honoured to be appointed as the inaugural chief executive.

“Local government is at the heart of our communities, and I look forward to working with the council team, local stakeholders, and the broader community to achieve lasting, positive outcomes,” he said.

Originally published as Shane Marshall elected as inaugural Groote Archipelago Regional Council CEO