Kyogle council announce new GM, former Weddings Parties Anything rocker Marcus Schintler and open two new bridges
Christmas has come early for residents in Kyogle with the announcement this week of a new general manager and the opening of two new bridges in the LGA.
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Christmas has come early for a Northern Rivers council with the highly anticipated announcement of a new general manager and the opening of two new bridges.
Marcus Schintler, Kyogle council’s current manager of corporate services and acting general manager for the past three months, has been appointed to the top job.
A former Weddings Parties Anything rocker and multi-Aria award winner, Schintler brings to the table 25 years of experience in the NSW public sector and political offices.
He has advised premiers, ministers, other politicians and stakeholders on state and federal policy issues and opportunities, crisis and media management, and strategic business planning and governance after completing a bachelor of arts double major in political science and international relations and industrial relations at the University of NSW.
Schintler was selected for a five-year term at a council meeting on Monday.
He has filled the role of acting general manager several times, including the past three months, ending speculation after former general manager Graham Kennett was suddenly fired and incoming bossBrett Kelly quit after only seven weeks in the job.
Kyogle Mayor Danielle Mulholland said the appointment was an “open and transparent process” and “merit based”.
“The community can be assured that due process has been followed and the best candidate for the job has been appointed unanimously by the council,” Ms Mulholland said.
Schintler, who served as an executive director in the NSW Government before joining council in 2016, said he was honoured to be selected.
“Public service is a privilege I take seriously,” he said.
He said council provides services to “enhance people’s lives” and council needs to be “good listeners”.
“The primary role of a general manager is to best deliver the strategies of our councillors, the community strategic plan of our residents, and the health, wellbeing, skill progression, and career interests of our staff,” Schintler said.
Lamonds Bridge and Paddy’s Flat Bridge reopen
Kyogle council have also announced the reopening of Lions Road and the completion of two new bridges.
Lions Road had been closed since mid-June to allow for the construction of the new Lamonds Bridge.
The upgraded two-lane concrete bridge, built by local contractor Ozwide Bridge Rail and Civil, stands 1.5 metres higher than the old one-lane wooden structure.
Touted a “major win” for motorists and the community, the $2 million project, funded under round one of the State Government’s Fixing Country Bridges program, has improved road alignment and increased flood resilience.
Paddys Flat Bridge has also been replaced with a raised, full-concrete structure that is one metre higher and two meters longer than its predecessor.
“The new bridges are safer and more flood resilient and will ultimately lower council’s annual maintenance spend, meaning that money can be directed to other projects,” Ms Mulholland said.
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