Burnie City Council picks Waratah-Wynyard GM Shane Crawford to replace Simon Overland

The North-West council turned to one of its neighbours to find the man to replace former general manager Simon Overland. Here’s what the new GM had to say.

Burnie City Council's new general manager is Shane Crawford who was previously in the role at Waratah-Wynyard Council. Picture: Waratah-Wynyard Council

The general manager of the Waratah-Wynyard Council — Shane Crawford — is heading to the municipality next door to fill a vacant role.

Mr Crawford will take over the general manager position at the Burnie City Council and will begin his new position in December.

North-West born and bred, Mr Crawford said the decision to leave the Waratah-Wynyard Council was tough.

“Whilst I’m excited to take on a new challenge and look forward to leading Burnie City Council into what I believe will be a period of positive change and reinvigoration, leaving Waratah Wynyard Council was not an easy decision to make,” he said.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to serve the Waratah-Wynyard community.

“This community has such a positive attitude and you can see the collective pride. It’s just a great place, and I really enjoy the uniqueness of all of our communities.”

Simon Overland will retire from Burnie Council in November.

Waratah-Wynyard Mayor Mary Duniam said that while she was sad to see Mr Crawford go, she described him as “an outstanding general manager”.

“He is an accomplished, respected leader who always focuses on the end goal.

“He has been visionary in his approach to strategic planning and has managed council’s finances impeccably.

“Under Shane’s strong financial management, our council has achieved an underlying surplus for the past eight years whilst also delivering some of the lowest rate increases in Tasmania.

“We wish Shane all the best in his new role and look forward to positive collaborations into the future.”

Burnie Deputy Mayor Giovanna Simpson said that Mr Crawford had started his career in local government at her council, where he held various roles, including corporate services director.

“Mr Crawford was selected by councillors for the role after his successful leadership of the Waratah-Wynyard Council has led to effective financial management while still delivering upon all of the council’s core responsibilities, in addition to developing new projects of significance for the Waratah Wynyard area,” she said.

Current Burnie City Council General Manager Simon Overland announced in June that he would retire in November.

Originally published as Burnie City Council picks Waratah-Wynyard GM Shane Crawford to replace Simon Overland