His aim is to provide a “smooth transition’’ from his interim reign to that of the new — and permanent CEO — who will start at the end of October.
“Part of my brief is to ensure the handover process allows the new CEO to hit the ground running,” he said.
Among the agenda items for the energetic local government professional to tick off his five-month wish list is the community planning process.
That includes the Place Based Plans (PBP), several of which have been completed and others that are currently under way, along with the Town Facility Plans (TFP) — next on the agenda as part of the lengthy timeline to help solve the emotional outdoor pool debate.
“The community consultation — things like the PBP, TFP and Community Panel — are front and centre of my mind,” Mr Tamlin said.
Mr Tamlin hasn’t taken long to form an opinion on the process to this point, suggesting the “balance’’ needed to be improved in deciding on the future of community assets.
“While I finish at the end of October I hope to set a foundation on which council can move forward in this area.
“I think the timeline [a decision on the pools has been pencilled in for May 2023] is too tight.
“We need to look at community projections and there are other things to consider,” he said.
Mr Tamlin will play no role in selecting the new CEO, but once the recently appointed consultant has made a recommendation — and councillors have rubber stamped that choice — he may be the new CEO’s most valuable resource.
“There will be someone in place here from the beginning of November. Once a CEO is appointed I will talk to them on a weekly basis, if required,” he said.
Mr Tamlin has taken no time at all in engaging with the community and extending his hand of friendship across the river.
“Terry (Dodds, Murray River Council CEO) and I have met with our respective teams and discussed we can do together to achieve positive outcomes,” he said.
Mr Tamlin has inherited a meeting schedule between the neighbouring councils that he insists will be of enormous long-term benefit to the Campaspe community.
“Long term, I see it as a great way to tell people how awesome it is to be in this place — using the combined resources of the two councils,” he said.
Mr Tamlin said he was beginning to “get in sync’’ with council and, by extension, the community.
“I think what the council is doing with the PBP, TFP and Community Panel is a bold and admirable way to do it.
“But I also believe this is very much a first draft and as time progresses the boundaries may move.
“It is about getting it right and looking long term,” he said.