Waverley’s new GM
Waverley Council’s new general manager Tony Reed has taken up stewardship of the organisation just as the State Government’s new planning laws kick in.
And while he commends the “enthusiasm of the State Government in removing some locals controls to speed up approvals” he rejects the one-size-fits-all approach.
“Unfortunately, irrespective of how individual councils perform, all councils are being benchmarked on the basis of the worst councils. Waverley is not one of the recalcitrant councils,” Mr Reed said.
“We are preparing a detailed report on the legislation. Unfortunately, the way the council operates depends on regulations not written yet, and that may be six months away.”
But Mr Reed says it’s unlikely the new laws will impact on major developments now in the system. That would include the Swiss Grand proposal, which has just been deferred.
“There is a significant thrust of development at Bondi Beach and Bondi Junction. The heritage listing of the area will influence consideration of what form the development will take, of what can and can’t be built. It’s unlikely the council will allow significant high-rise on Campbell Parade. The challenge for developers and the council is to come up with developments that comply and are sustainable – foremost in our minds – to work out what would be acceptable in that corridor.”
Mr Reed also said the Bondi Junction LEP, now back on exhibition and likely to be processed later this year, will be a catalyst for improving the Bondi Junction precinct.
Very much a local – he grew up in Clovelly and went to Waverley College – Mr Reed replaced Kim Anson on June 21 when she left to take up the post of general manager at Marrickville Council.
He described his new role as exciting and extremely challenging.
“It’s an interesting job and I have real confidence in my directors; they are high profile, well-educated people who have proved themselves.
“Kim did a fantastic job and has left the council in very good shape. We have many large projects in the pipeline such as the new pavilion at Waverley Park, the next link of our Coastal Walk and major refurbishments at the Bondi Pavilion. We are also increasing our expenditure on the maintenance of our roads and footpaths and street cleaning. We have a busy time ahead of us and I’m very pleased I have such a great team to help me steer this council into the future.”
The job will be a little easier as he was Director Public Works and Services at the council for the past three years and a member of the executive team. He previously worked at Ryde City Council, Sydney Water and Great Lakes Shire Council and has a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil), a Masters in Business Administration and a Graduate Diploma in Marketing Management.
Waverley Mayor Ingrid Strewe congratulated Mr Reed on his five-year appointment.
“There was a strong field and we had a number of really good applicants but the panel was unanimous in its decision – Tony is the right person for the job,” she said.
Work has already begun on finding his replacement.
“We expect to get good candidates. Waverley is small but it is a leading council,” Mr Reed said.
