Instead general manager Greg Campbell, with the support of councillors, moved to disband the position to a limited number of functions which will be carried out on a one-day-a-week basis.

At the June council meeting community services and development manager Anthony Newland announced his resignation and will start his own business.

But from next week, Mr Newland will be working for council as a contractor for a day each week looking after planning, development, environmental health, inspection and licencing, public buildings, food control, order enforcement and animal control.

Previous aspects of his former position will be allocated to other council staff members and managers.

Mr Campbell said the arrangement would continue for six months after which it would be assessed.

The reason behind the change was the need for council to save money were possible.

“The overiding fact is the need for council to tighten our belts,” he said. “The manager for development and community services used to be called the manger of planning and development, but after Mr Newland came to us we diversified the job somewhat with adding some community service elements.

“Because we found out we weren’t going to have to review our Local Environmental Plan it means the planning component of the job is quiet slim. It really doesn’t require a planning professional full time.”

With Junee developing at a “more measured pace”, Mr Campbell said it strengthened council’s ability to reorganise the position.

He said there would be no effect on the general public when dealing with council in matters such as community development or garbage, but changes could be felt in the area of development.

“Only in respect of planning matters” Mr Campbell said. “There would be people designated to pick up on those functions, including garbage and if there was anyone who needed to see Anthony, we would be able to set up appointment to see him on Thursdays.”

But the changes are unlikely to help council achieve big savings.

“We’re looking at the tens of thousands,” Mr Campbell said.

“Unfortunately we can swallow that amount up in a week or two with road works, but it’s just aother notch inwards on the belt.

“We don’t want to get too fat, we are growing as lean as possible.”

“It’s a pragmatic management decision which we think is right for the circumstances at present.”