Cobar Shire Council’s new Director of Infrastructure Services Scott Casey started his position last week with firm ambitions to immerse himself into the local community.
“Everyone I’ve spoken to says Cobar is a great place to live and has an excellent com-munity spirit,” Mr Casey said.
“I very much look forward to getting involved with different aspects of the community.
“I like interacting with people. I think that is one of my strengths, I am quite personable and take the time to listen to what people have to say.
“The draw factor for moving to places like Cobar is for that sense of community, it’s the sense of not wanting to leave because of that special community ‘feel’.”
Originally hailing from Kent in the United Kingdom, the married, father of one has held similar managerial positions at Yeppoon (Livingstone Shire Manager Water and Waste Operations), Sunbury (Western Water Commercial Services Manager), Bundaberg (Reticulations Operations Manager) and Mackay (Mackay Regional Council Manager of Operations) before landing his appointment in Cobar.
Mr Casey also worked for Thames Water in the UK before he moved to Queensland in 2006.
Mr Casey’s portfolio means he’ll oversee local services involving roads, parks, fleet and water in what he described as “a very diverse and interesting role”.
The avid reader, music festival-goer and English Premier League fan said his family will join him in Cobar early next month.
“My wife Meg has a nutritional back-ground and does online lecturing in that space while my nine-year old daughter, Yeshe, who is a keen dancer and singer, is excited to start school here,” he said.
“As a family we’re excited to start this new chapter, and enjoy the wonderful things the Cobar community is about.”
Mr Casey has a positive framework on how he likes to go about his business.
“I like to make a difference; I know that’s a vague statement but I try wherever I work to leave things better when I go than when I got there,” he explained.
“It might be in terms of infrastructure, culture, process, revenue generation, enjoyment of the workplace, or whatever it is.
“If I feel I’ve achieved that and moved things forward for the better than I get a real sense of satisfaction.”
