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Management system helps in time of uncertainty

As with Local Government across Australia, Tasmanian Councils are facing changes being brought about by National Competition Policy and the drive for greater efficiency and accountability. The further degree of uncertainty with possible further amalgamations facing Tasmanian Councils does not make it any easier.

Ken Hughes, Manager Engineering Services at Circular Head Council on Tasmania's north west coast, says that such uncertainty creates an even greater imperative to be as efficient as possible. A Work Improvement Team (WIT) was formed at Circular Head in late 1996.

Including the Manager of Engineering Services and representatives of outdoor employees, its role was to predict the reforms that would take place over the coming five years and form strategies to cope with that reform.

With the expectation of increased competition, strategies were developed to be ready for that event. Formation into a Business Unit has prepared staff in the Maintenance and Construction Unit for the future.

Ken Hughes said that in today's environment, Council believes it is essential for reforms that will impact on all staff to be developed and implemented by teams representing both management and employees.

"Our outdoor staff now have a more commercial focus," he said. "They have gained experience of working in a competitive regime and are in a much better position to deal with change.

"The main ingredients in their success are having staff and elected member support, a business plan, an asset management plan, an enterprise agreement, recognition of the benefits to the organisation and community and achievement of third party quality assurance. Accreditation for Quality Assurance under AS/NZS ISO 9002 is currently being sought.

"These changes contributed a great deal to a favourable turnaround in Council finances to the tune of nearly $800,000 per annum," Ken Hughes concluded.

For further information contact Ken Hughes, telephone (03) 6452 1265.

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