Yass Valley Council’s general manager David Rowe resigns after 26 years of service

Mr Rowe, having been GM for 10 years, is set to take up a regional-based position.

In saying farewell, Mr Rowe thanked the support he received from councillors, the community and staff.

“I have worked with some great staff over that time, all of whom have been working here at council for the benefit of our community,” he said.

Mr Rowe began in 1992 as deputy engineer before becoming director of the department in 1998.

Ten years later, he was appointed GM.

Asked about highlights, Mr Rowe cited his involvement in delivering infrastructure, which includes managing developments, having roads sealed, upgrading parks and amenities.

Projects include the Burley Griffin Way bypass, increasing the capacity of the Yass Dam, a sewerage system for Murrumbateman and the recent announcement of a Murrumbateman school.

“I’ve enjoyed working with various community groups in Yass and the villages.

“The sporting groups, for example. In the past 25 years, we’ve worked with a lot of them to improve facilities,” he said.

Mr Rowe also listed the building of a strong team at the council, avoiding council amalgamation, and working with mayor Rowena Abbey on duplicating the Barton Highway as major achievements.

It hasn’t been smooth sailing, however.

In January—March 2015, he faced allegations of corruption, which was dismissed by the Independent Commission Against Corruption.

As well as opposition, Mr Rowe said that meeting community expectations was a constant battle.

“If we don’t actually present information correctly, then some people get some grandiose ideas about what we can actually provide.

“We can’t meet all expectations all the time,” he said.

The perception of the council was also another challenge.

“We’ve always been trying to create a good perception and that we’re reliable and trusted.

“Sometimes things don’t go according to plan and it does undermine that trust, but I’d hope that people have appreciated that we’re all here trying to make the best decisions for the wider community,” he said.

He said the the 2012–16 council was the most difficult period.

“[The council] provided less support to staff than other councils, particularly as we negotiated a rate rise with the community to ensure the long term sustainability of Yass Valley Council and, in the process, fight off threaten amalgamations,” he said.

In regards to regrets, Mr Rowe told the Tribune that he had none.

“But disappointment at some stage when you appear to be undermined and not trusted.”

He said that overcoming opposition was through the belief that “you are doing the right thing”.

Cr Abbey said she admired Mr Rowe’s “depth of local government knowledge and the strength, patience and support he has provided to me, during some very ‘testing’ times.”

“As an organisation, and as a community, we wish him well in his next adventure,” she said.

Similarly, Nic Carmody, who was mayor when Mr Rowe was appointed GM, said Mr Rowe had a high degree of integrity and honesty “with a passion to make the Yass Valley a better place”.

“He is well respected amongst his peers in the Local Government sector.

“I was once told that he was ‘the best opening batsman to ever come out of Coota’, but sadly that didn’t translate to his golfing game – hopefully he can now find more time to improve his game,” Mr Carmody said.

Cr Jasmin Jones, who in 2014–15 withdrew support for Mr Rowe over the Park and Ride project and questioned him about mismanagement of an asbestos issue said: “It certainly presents an opportunity to recruit a fresh face to the role with a different skill set to take on the growth challenges in Yass Valley and set the tone of the culture within council”.

“The remaining executive team is very experienced so I have no concerns it will be anything but business as usual in the interim,” she said.

Touie Smith Snr, a longtime resident and critic of Mr Rowe, said: “I have said all that needs to be said on the present situation.

“I look forward to working with the new General Manager on matters that seem too difficult presently,” he said.

As for his legacy, Mr Rowe said he would like to be remembered for his “honesty, integrity and professionalism in trying to seek improved outcomes for the community”.

He said he had always considered the wider community implications when making decisions.

“That [trust] is the most highly valued factor that I believe is needed as GM,” he said.

Looking to the future of the council, Mr Rowe hopes dialogue with the local Indigenous community improves.

“To have a strong form of reconciliation between the wider community and the Indigenous population.

“There is a lot of history in Yass and it’s not so good when you read about how they were treated,” he said.

As well, he would like to see progress on a few current projects.

“Water softening plant for Yass, the Yass-to-Murrumbateman pipeline...an indoor pool,” he said.

Mr Rowe’s final day is Friday, July 27, 2018.