Shire boss leaves top spot

GOLDEN Plains Shire’s chief executive officer Eric Braslis announced his resignation last week after more than six years in the role.

Mayor Cr Brett Cunningham said Mr Braslis served the community during an integral period.

“Eric, who previously served as CEO at Gannawarra Shire, joined Golden Plains Shire council during a critical phase, tasked with leading the organisation through a transformative period of growth and development,” he said.

“During his tenure, Eric successfully navigated the organisation through challenging times, including the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Cr Cunningham said there’ve been many highlights to point to from Mr Braslis’ tenure with the municipality.

“Under his leadership, Golden Plains Shire council achieved significant milestones, notably completing the largest capital project in the Shire’s history with the construction of the Civic Centre,” he said.

“Additionally, Eric led visionary initiatives such as the preparation of the Bannockburn South Growth Plan and the implementation of the Growing Places Strategy, a comprehensive roadmap for managing the shire’s growth up to 2051, anticipating a population exceeding 50,000 residents.”

Other achievements include the commercialisation of the Bannockburn Shire Hall, the handover of municipal childcare services to Kardinia, and private land development ventures at Bannockburn and Teesdale.

“On behalf of the councillors and the whole of the organisation I wish him every success in the next opportunity,” Cr Cunningham said.

“While Eric’s departure leaves a void within the organisation,

we are confident in our

reputation and capabilities to secure a suitable replacement

to guide the newly elected council in November.”

Municipal staff are presently searching for a replacement for Mr Braslis’ role.