After nearly three decades of service for the River City, Dean Taylor is off to the Sunshine Coast. The Wanganui District Council asset manager came to council as a school leaver in 1976 and has been there since, rising from his early training in the engineers' department to become a nationallyrespected expert on local government asset management. Mr Taylor leaves council at the start of next month for a move with his family across the ditch to take up another council position on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. As Maroochydore council assets group manager, Mr Taylor will be working for a bigger district which is experiencing rapid growth. "They have a huge amount of growth going on there and it will be a challenge," Mr Taylor said. He said he had enjoyed his time with the Wanganui District Council but it was time for a change. "I've been looking for another challenge and it's time to do that. "I've really enjoyed working with and serving this community and have been privileged to serve over a number of years," Mr Taylor said. The warm weather was an added attraction along with the job itself, especially coming into a Wanganui winter. Mr Taylor is well known for his role in running council's wastewater project and stormwater separations where he introduced a new contract management system. Council chief executive Colin Whitlock said while staff were sorry to see Mr Taylor go they wished him luck. "He's certainly been here a long time and he has developed his career to the extent that he is a recognised expert in local government management throughout New Zealand," Mr Whitlock said. "We're really sorry to see him go but on the other hand we're excited about the opportunities for him and he'll do well in the future."
