Ray Burton takes acting CEO role at Campaspe

But that process could take up to six months and mayor Adrian Weston said Mr Burton’s appointment would ensure council continued to meet ‘‘organisational, community and strategic commitments’’.

Cr Weston said the appointment of an acting chief executive was important, to ensure the organisation was supported while the chief executive recruitment process was under way.

‘‘Mr Burton has 40-plus years’ experience in local government and has held key roles in a number of councils in regional Victoria and more recently Queensland,’’ Cr Weston said. ‘‘We are confident he will support the organisation, providing leadership and working with the executive management group, to ensure continuity of operations and administration.’’

In the interim, general manager corporate services Fleur Cousins will continue in the acting position.

Mr Russell announced he would not be reapplying for his position in March because he did not believe he would get a ‘‘fair hearing’’.

Council decided the month before to advertise his position after his four-year contract expired on May 12, which would mean he would be unemployed while council tested the market — whether he was reappointed or not. That process was scrutinised and split the council — with some of the councillors believing the move was the wrong one to make. A committee to oversee the process was appointed before two councillors attempted to rescind that decision which was withdrawn at the last moment.