Council chief quits for state government job

The announcement was made on the morning of Wednesday, January 24, 2024. Late Wednesday, the Victorian government revealed Mr Davis had appointed as the state's new cross-border commissioner.

Regional Development Minister Gayle Tierney said Mr Davis would advocate for people living and working across the state's border communities.

She said Mr Davis, who had 30 years' experience in both public and private sectors across Australia in a range of fields including town planning, local government, and industry, would look to develop common approaches with neighbouring states.

He will replace inaugural commissioner Luke Wilson who is stepping down after five years in the role.

"I am excited about the opportunity that this role presents and keen to build on Luke's work," Mr Davis said in a statement.

"I am passionate about rural and regional areas, economic development, and look forward to working with our border communities, having worked with many of them in previous roles."

He joined Moyne in 2020 as the economic development and planning director before becoming CEO in 2022.

Mayor Ian Smith said he had reluctantly accepted Mr Davis' resignation on January 23, 2024.

"While we are saddened by Brett's departure, council understands and respects his decision and we wish him all the best as he takes on a role with the state government," he said.

"He has been instrumental in driving positive change, implementing key initiatives, and fostering collaboration among various government departments and councils to enhance Moyne Shire's reputation."

Mr Davis said while it was a difficult choice to leave Moyne, the council remained in a strong position.

"It's a decision I have made for professional and personal reasons and while I'm sad to be leaving, I am looking forward to the next chapter, and seeing where Moyne goes from here," he said.

"In particular I would like to thank Cr (Daniel) Meade, Cr Smith and Cr (Karen) Foster who have been mayor during my time at Moyne and I thank them as well as current and former councillors I have worked with for their guidance and their dedication to the community they have been elected to represent."

Cr Smith said further announcements would be made regarding who would take Mr Davis' place as CEO.

An interim appointment will be declared next week.

Mr Davis had previously worked as the Victorian Planning Authority's executive director for regional planning before he joined the shire in January 2020 as economic development and planning director.

At that time, the Melbourne-born Mr Davis said he had developed an affinity with Port Fairy, home of the shire and the town's famous folk festival.

"I have been coming to Port Fairy for a long time, to the Folkie and as a camper, but I also met a girl from Macarthur and that was predominately how I got to know the area," he said.