Mr Pinyon has accepted the challenging role of General Manager of Wagga Wagga City Council.

He will take up his new position in early February.

Cr Searle congratulated Mr Pinyon on his appointment and acknowledged his significant contribution to the Blue Mountains.

“Phil’s dedication and commitment to delivering a number of key projects and enhancing Council operations have positioned Council well for the future,” Cr Searle said.

“I am saddened by Phil’s departure and on behalf of my fellow Councillors, staff and the community, wish him and his wife Deborah all the best for the future.”

Mr Pinyon paid tribute to the key role of the Council Management Team and the very talented and committed Council workforce in helping to achieve a renewed focus on community outcomes in the Blue Mountains City Council over the past three years.

“It has been a privilege to lead the organisation and to see it delivering for the community,” Mr Pinyon said.

Cr Searle highlighted a few of Council’s achievements during Mr Pinyon’s time as General Manager, including:

* The redevelopment of the Lawson Town Centre;

* Considerable progress with the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre development and the Katoomba Civic Centre renewal;

* Significant improvements in responsiveness to Council’s customers;

* Substantial improvements to employee morale and staff turnover;

* A more efficient and effective organisational structure;

* A successful “Better Futures Economic Development Forum” in July 2008;

* Significant development of asset management plans to guide the allocation of Council resources;

* Improvement in Council’s financial planning to handle infrastructure deficiencies; and

* Preparation to implement the new Integrated Planning and Reporting reforms in 2010.

“I have very much enjoyed and valued my time in the Mountains and look forward to hearing how the hard work we have put in over the past three years is continuing to achieve great results for the Council and the community and visiting the new Cultural Centre when completed,” Mr Pinyon said.

“I will miss the very special Blue Mountains environment and community.”