In other appointments:

• Ray Brownlee returns to Randwick

NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler will lead an expert panel tasked with finding a solution for the owners of Mascot Towers.

Residents were forced to evacuate the defective apartment complex in Sydney’s inner south more than three years ago after the discovery of cracks and structural faults.

Fair trading minister Victor Dominello says Mr Chandler will set up a team of industry experts to examine remediating the building and will report to the government on options to resolve the issue in April.

The report will assess the costs and viability of remidation and provide legal and commercial advice.

“Mr Chandler’s report is a crucial first step in finding a solution for the long suffering-owners of Mascot Towers. Without this, owners would remain in limbo with no clear path forward on a course of action,” the minister said.

“Mr Chandler’s … report will provide the evidence base for the owners, the government and other interest parties to make an informed decision about the future of the building.”

The NSW government has so far provided $16 million worth of rental assistance to affected residents.

Ray Brownlee returns to the fold

Experienced general manager Ray Brownlee is returning to Randwick City Council after being appointed to a five year term as CEO.

Mr Brownlee is currently CEO of Northern Beaches Council, where he oversaw the amalgamation of Manly, Pittwater and Warringah Councils.

He was General Manager of Randwick Council from 2004 to 2018 and also served as General Manager at the former Auburn Council.

All up he’s had a 35 year career in local government, including 22 at general manager/CEO level.

Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker said Mr Brownlee is widely regarded as one of the top local government executives in the country.

“Our organisation and community are extremely fortunate to have him returning to lead our council through the next chapter of Randwick’s history,” Cr Parker said.

Mr Brownlee said he was looking forward to returning to Randwick.

“I look forward to building on the work of the last four years to deliver a customer focused organisation that provides excellent service to our community,” Mr Brownlee said.

Mr Brownlee’s appointment follows the departure of former Randwick Council General Manager Therese Manns who left in November 2022 to take up the role of General Manager at North Sydney Council.

He is expected to take up his new role with Randwick in late March.

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