Covid’s impacts – and upsides – revealed in council CEO survey

Nearly six in 10 local government CEOs say the financial
sustainability of their councils was negatively impacted by Covid-19, a new
survey shows.

However, the survey also shows the pandemic has provided the impetus for many councils to “think outside of the box” about how to maximise revenue, keep costs down, and “sweat” their assets for maximum efficiency and capacity.

The Australian Local Government CEO Index 2021 was conducted by recruitment, advisory, and technology consulting firm Davidson to get a clearer picture of key priorities for councils in a post-Covid environment.

The survey of 110 CEOs from metropolitan and regional
councils across Australia was themed under six key areas:

• Financial Sustainability;
• Community Engagement;
• Risk and Governance;
• Operational Excellence;
• Employee Wellbeing; and
• Technology.

Melbourne City Council CEO Justin Hanney said the extended
lockdown and gradual recovery in his LGA had necessitated a focus on council
fundamentals.

These included “ensuring service is maintained through digital transformation and positive customer experience and that our community is given the support it needs”.

“The differences between metropolitan and regional
governments are characterised by a significantly more serious financial impact
for metro organisations, but more success in achieving positive outcomes in
operational excellence and employee wellbeing,” he said.

City of Hobart CEO Kelly Grigsby said 2020 has forced the hand of leaders and ensured a move to flexible working and the use of technology to undertake work.

“People leaders who were dragging their feet or showing
light support had no option but to adjust and this ensured equity across the
organisation,” she said.

South Gippsland Shire Council CEO Keryn Ellis concurred,
saying: “The pandemic made us reassess how we currently operate and to see if
things can be done differently and better”.