FRUSTRATIONS with delays for considering local developments have prompted council's administrator to appoint a new general manager to fill the void for a few weeks,
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A temporary acting manager, David Kerr, has been seconded from Sydney's northern beaches to oversee Armidale Regional Council until August 23.
After that date, John Rayner will take up the position.
Interim Administrator of Armidale Regional Council, Viv May, made the announcement after an extraordinary meeting this week.
"At the last meeting of council I noted that Mr John Rayner was to be appointed as Acting General Manager from 24 August 2020," he said in a statement.
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"I also noted that further advice on acting arrangements would be made given the gap between Ms Law's departure and Mr Rayner's commencement.
"As delegations for such appointments have now been given to me, I wish to advise that Mr David Kerr will undertake the role from 31 July to 23 August."
Mr May said Mr Kerr's appointment was made after consultation with Mr Rayner, and he is being seconded from Northern Beaches Council in Sydney where he's the Director Community and Belonging.
"I publicly note my appreciation of the Mayor and CEO of Northern Beaches Council for their assistance," Mr May said.
"A number of residents have contacted me in relation to development matters outstanding with council noting their frustration with time delays and I have met with several.
"In the meetings I have made it very clear that it is not my role, nor while I become involved or offer comment in the assessment of applications. This is clearly the responsibility of people who hold the requisite qualifications.
"Mr Kerr is very well qualified to provide some general advice to me in relation to the processes used at Armidale Regional Council on the assessment of such development matters and I have asked for an overview to be prepared including the resourcing of the area.
"In consultation with Mr Rayner a decision will be made to ascertain if further third party intervention is required."
