Councillors extend Warwick Bennett's term as general manager

The extension means he will stay in the role until March, 2023.

Councillors signed off the move in a closed session at their recent meeting. They agreed to extend the agreement by 18 months from October, 2021 to March 31, 2023.

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But Mr Bennett said this was effectively a six-month extension because his current five-year contract was due to expire in October, 2022. Under its terms he had to give nine months' notice if he wished to seek a further contract.

"This (notification period) fell within the (council) election timeframe," he said.

"...In reality the 18 months is six months to allow the new council to get on its feet and decide what they want to do with the general manager's role - whether to appoint me or get a new one."

Deputy Mayor Peter Walker and Cr Margaret O'Neill voted against the extension, minutes stated. Councillors are not permitted to speak publicly about closed discussions. The matter was confidential under the NSW Local Government Act as it concerned personnel matters.

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Mr Bennett was appointed in 2014. The former Mid-Western Regional Council GM came with long experience in local government in Australia and his native New Zealand, as well as in private enterprise.

The former accountant said he had enjoyed his time in Goulburn and wanted to continue in the position.

"It's a fantastic community," he said.

"I probably won't stay for another five years but I want to leave at the top of my game. I don't want to be known as the old fart who stayed too long but I'm in good physical and mental health."

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Mr Bennett said there were very few issues that the council wasn't on board with the community with, including the recent waste to energy plant opposition.

He was proud of infrastructure building over the past seven years. The Riverwalk, wastewater treatment plant upgrade and CBD beautification were among these. But the Performing Arts Centre and Aquatic Centre redevelopment were also nearing completion.

"There was no maintenance on rural roads because we couldn't afford it. Now there's a full program and we're putting millions of dollars into it every year," he said.

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"I want to continue Goulburn Mulwaree's pattern of growth. The next term of council will have to address what infrastructure will be required to accompany that huge growth."

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