Keith Baillie says being shire’s CEO was an “absolute privilege”

OUTGOING Surf Coast Shire chief executive officer Keith Baillie says it has been an honour and a privilege to hold the role for five years, but warns balancing the council’s books in the future is a “difficult and unresolved challenge”.
Mr Baillie served his last day at the council on Friday last week ahead of becoming the new CEO of Geelong not-for-profit Gforce Employment Solutions in September.
“It has been my absolute privilege to serve our community and to lead our wonderful staff. Public service remains hugely important in our lives and to our nation, and to be of service has been a great honour,” he said.
“The Surf Coast Shire staff have a special place in my heart – they are skilled professionals who are truly dedicated to our community and environment, and moreover they are wonderful people.”
He said the council’s lift in customer focus, its success in grant funding and delivering big projects, and the realisation of productivity gains and savings were among his greatest successes.
“The improvement in any organisation is, however, an ongoing journey and I am proud of the great progress we have made.”
He warned there would be financial trouble ahead, and noted the council provided more than 100 services for the community and needed to support more than $800 million of roads and facilities.
“Having the financial capacity to deliver this is challenging and while I value the benefits of rate capping to help household budgets, the revenue impact has been very difficult for Council.
“Reforming Council so the books will balance into the future is a difficult and unresolved challenge.”
Mr Baillie encouraged anyone who was thinking about putting their hand up to run for council should do so.
“Serving your community is an absolute privilege and while this requires a time commitment, in my experience councillors have also found it very rewarding,” he said.
“Working with fellow councillors and the organisation can bring about great things for our community.”