Departing director leaves a legacy of many successful major projects

Narrabri Shire Council’s director infrastructure delivery, Darren Raeck, has announced he will be leaving council to relocate to be closer to family, taking up a role at Wagga Wagga City Council.

Mr Raeck has been in the director’s position since November 2016 and has successfully led the infrastructure delivery department to implement multi-million dollar projects including the Baan Baa Water Supply project, Narrabri Water Augmentation project, multiple bridge replacements and integral parts of the Narrabri CBD Master Plan.

Mr Raeck’s expertise in civil engineering and project management have been extremely valued by Council, council said.

“It has been a huge pleasure working with Darren,” general manager, Stewart Todd said.

“There is a long and impressive list of accomplishments that have been achieved throughout Darren’s time with Narrabri Shire.

“I have very much enjoyed working closely with him throughout the last four years.

“He has much to be proud of.”

“It has been an extremely enjoyable time at Narrabri Shire Council,” Mr Raeck said.

“The respect shown to me by the general manager and my team has been one of the most enjoyable aspects of my job.”

On leaving Council Mr Raeck added “the timing of these types of decisions are never perfect.

“I am leaving at a time when a number of key infrastructure projects are being completed and a number of other projects are coming to fruition after years of planning.

“It has been a privilege to have been part of a leadership team that has both delivered and planned well for the future of Narrabri Shire.

“I strongly believe the next few years will be a very rewarding time for Narrabri Shire.

“I have enjoyed my time working and living in Narrabri Shire very much.

“Natalie and I will leave with many good memories.”

Mr Todd said the Council sincerely thanked Mr Raeck and wished him and his wife Natalie ‘all the best for the future.’

Mr Raeck’s accomplishments during his time at Council include:

Being part of the Executive Management team of Council that won the AR Bluett Award in 2018.

Initiating the comprehensive road condition assessment to validate Council’s road construction backlog.

Completing the replacement of the Narrabri CBD street lighting upgrade, median strip and street trees.

Replacement of nine bridges with another two currently funded for replacement.
Overseeing the supply of drinking water to Baan Baa which received an Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia Highly Commended Engineering Excellence Award and NSW Local Government Professionals Excellence Award for service delivery to populations less than 60,000.

Delivery of the $14 million Narrabri Water Supply Augmentation.

Overseeing the replacement of the Shire’s water metering with automated meters – resulting in increased accuracy and significantly decreased water losses.

Involvement in funding grant submissions totalling more than $13m – projects included Culgoora Road upgrade ($5.5m), Narrabri West Transport Activation Precinct ($2.9m), bridge replacements ($3.8m), Narrabri Creek walk/cycle Path ($300,000), Cooma Road shared path ($350,000), Deriah Aboriginal area access track ($250,000), Warrior Street, Wee Waa, kerbing ($270,000), town and village bulk water supply units ($150,000).