Colac Otway appoints new CEO

THE Colac Otway Shire has appointed Peter Brown as its new chief executive officer.

Mr Brown has more than three decades experience in local government and brings strong qualifications in economics and management to the role.

The former chief executive of Horsham Rural City for seven years will start work on July 2 after the council formalised his appointment at May’s council meeting.

Prior to his position at Horsham Rural City, Mr Brown served as director of corporate strategies with the Warrnambool City Council and also chief executive of Wimmera Uniting Care.

Shire mayor Joe McCracken said Mr Brown would bring a strong set of skills and experience to the role with his background in economics and social development.

“Peter’s combination of skills and experience in local government, economics and management make him ideal for the role of CEO with Colac Otway Shire Council.

“He has held leadership and management roles within regional centres and is experienced in dealing with the unique challenges regional communities face.”

Having spent most of his life in rural Victoria, Mr Brown is looking forward to taking up the position of CEO and moving to the Colac Otway region.

“I’m very pleased to be taking on this role, this is a beautiful part of the world.

“Colac Otway Shire is on the cusp of exciting times. The duplication of the highway brings us closer to Geelong and to Melbourne. This will bring important economic opportunities.

“We can already see the increased demand for housing and there is potential for the whole shire to benefit from the visitor economy.

“Colac Otway Shire is highly regarded for its primary industries and value adding and well placed to take advantage of the increasing confidence in the future of agriculture generally, not-withstanding the current issues in the dairy industry.

Mr Brown said he was looking forward to becoming a part of the greater Colac Otway community.

“I am keen to get around and meet people when I start and find out more about the shire from our residents.”