Get to know Gary who's vision is back to basics

Published: 27 September 2024

From divisional manager to director, Gary Bruce has stepped up to a bigger portfolio overseeing Council’s planning, environment, and waste teams.

Gary shared his vision, which is getting back to basics, focussing on good customer service and proactive interactions with the community. This doesn’t always mean a ‘yes’, but it does mean we’ll get decisions back to you as quickly as we can."

“We’re in an era where technology often overshadows personal interaction. I want to bring the human touch back into customer service – shifting our focus from systems to people,” Gary said.

“While technology has its place, nothing beats a direct conversation. I encourage my staff and the community to pick up the phone and chat in the first instance."

Gary has been diving deep into Council’s strategies and policies, and will be initiating a review of Development Control Plans – running a workshop to get the industry involved before the year’s out.

Another significant initiative launching this year is the development of the Batemans Bay Masterplan.

"Our goal is to encourage Batemans Bay to evolve into a sustainable and walkable town, creating a vibrant environment where both existing and new residents and businesses can thrive." Stay tuned for more info.

The new waste strategy is also progressing. Gary and the waste division are working on new and innovative ways to reduce waste. They encourage the community to share feedback and ideas via online surveys  – find out more in the story below.

“Rather than expanding our landfill sites, which is costly, we need to prioritise and invest in effective reuse and recycling initiatives. It’s important we hear from the community to develop the strategy,” Gary said.

In between his work on policies and strategies, he is on a mission to meet all 80 staff across waste, planning, compliance and natural resource management.

During his walk and talks, he asks two questions: what do we do well, and what could we do better? Community associations – you might get to have the same chat with Gary next too!  

A bit of humour and a sneaky recipe is how Gary likes to kick off the week for staff. His Monday emails bring a smile, combining Council updates with his culinary adventures, plus a dash of sports news.

You should ask how his sourdough is going - he is sometimes caught tending to his dough in the office.

If you’d like to say g’day to Gary, contact his executive assistant Tracey Stewart to arrange a time: 4474 1234

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