A familiar face at the council and within the community is pulling up stumps after 20 years in her role.
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Debbi Rodden has been Goulburn Mulwaree’s and before that, Goulburn City Council’s economic development officer for many years.
She is taking up a similar position at Port Stephens Council and moving closer to her family. Friday is her final day.
Her role has involved pulling in new business to the area, identifying opportunities and working on strategies. More recently she’s been involved in ways to develop the motor sports, renewable energy and resources and transport and logistics industries.
The council would not permit The Goulburn Post to interview Ms Rodden about her time in the role. A spokesman said this was a policy as management did not feel it was appropriate for departing staff members to discuss their positions in the media. However the council’s media policy does not expressly state this – simply that directors and managers must have the general manager’s permission to speak to the media generally.
However Mayor Bob Kirk is unequivocal about Ms Rodden’s departure.
“It’s a sad loss and she will be greatly missed by councillors,” he said.
“In my opinion she’s a great contributor to the council and a college of knowledge on all things local and a good source if you want to make contact with a particular industry.
“She’s been terrific in her role and her accumulated expertise will be missed. I wish her all the best on behalf of all the councillors.”
Former Goulburn manager of Chicago Freight Car Leasing Australia’s workshop, Mick Cooper, said Ms Rodden helped the process of establishing the timber yard at the facility.
The yard was just one part of a rail hub approved by the council in late 2015 and now treats timber for export.
Mr Cooper said Ms Rodden initially brought a company’s inquiry about establishing a facility in Goulburn to him.
“She helped them to explore all avenues,” he said.
Ultimately a different company, International Primary Products (Aust and NZ) delivered the project.
However Mr Cooper said Ms Rodden helped make it a “seamless experience.”
“She gave full support and weight to encourage and grow the business through everything she did,” he said.