Another change for Shire

The Boyup Brook Shire Council has its third chief executive this year after acting CEO Peter Dittrich stepped down from the role on August 31.

This latest departure marks the second CEO to leave the shire this year, in addition to the resignations of councillors Liz Rear and Graham Aird.

Shire president Richard Walker said the departures were not part of a broader trend.

“Sometimes these things happen and it’s very frustrating when you get a run of them, but I think we are well on track to getting things settled down,” he said.

“We’ve got a very good candidate — we are negotiating a contract with right now — to take up the permanent role of CEO with the view to starting at the end of the month.

“If that pans out, we should be in a position to settle things down and get on with the job.”

Mr Dittrich will be replaced by Aaron Bowman, until a permanent chief executive officer is appointed.

Mr Bowman has been with the shire for a matter of weeks.

Cr Walker said Mr Bowman bought a lot of experience and knowledge to the table.

“He’s been in the game for a number of years and has had experience in metropolitan councils as well as Cocos Island,” he said.

“He’s very good on governance, procedures and finances, he’s an excellent person to have in the role given the circumstances.”

Cr Walker said the council was sorry to see Mr Dittrich leave.

“Peter’s done an outstanding job in difficult circumstances, not having a lot of staff behind him in terms of preparing the budget,” he said.

“He’s been a very good operator.”