Martin Cooper, who has been appointed Wollondilly Council director of shire futures, won’t need much time to familiarise himself in his new job.
Mr Cooper was most recently the manager of strategic planning for Camden Council, but during the early part of his career he worked at Wollondilly Council in a couple of roles, rural projects officer and environmental health officer.
“I am very happy to be returning to Wollondilly Shire Council and am honoured to have been appointed to the role of director of shire futures,’’ Mr Cooper said.
“I am looking forward joining the strong team at Wollondilly and continuing the work the council and management team have commenced to prepare the organisation to respond and adapt to the pressures of growth.
“I have a strong passion for the shire, and it is a great honour to have the opportunity to help shape its future growth, which respects the rural character, natural and built environment, history and charm that draws residents and visitors alike to Wollondilly.”
Mr Cooper will be leading the newly established directorate with a key focus on future land use and infrastructure planning, together with job creation and protecting and enhancing the Wollondilly Shire.
“Mr Cooper joins Wollondilly with great demonstrated experience shaping places, having led the strategic planning for our neighbour Camden for many years, and also brings a real passion for Wollondilly and our rural character having spent his early career here as a rural projects officer,” says council CEO Ben Taylor.
“Our focus is on enhancing all that is wonderful about Wollondilly – our historic villages, green rolling hills and bush – as well as building a wonderful sustainable new community in Wilton, and I look forward to Martin making a real difference for our community.
“He is joining us at a pivotal time for Wollondilly, as our Shire is experiencing the early effects of growth and we are working hard to shape this growth and create a high performing organisation for our rapidly growing Shire.”
Council has put in place a new organisational framework, three directorates under the CEO: customer & corporate services led by Ms Caroline Argent, shire futures led by Martin Cooper, while recruitment is under way for the third, shire services.
