Goldenfields Water County Council has announced that Mr Hancock has tendered his resignation.

“Mr Hancock’s resignation will become effective on 30 November 2018, however he will take leave for the remainder of his tenure,” a Goldenfields Water statement said.

Board chair Dennis Palmer said on behalf of the Board he “would like to thank Darryl for his tenure and wish him all the best for the future”.

Corporate services manager Ian Graham has been appointed acting GM until November 30 until further arrangements are made for an interim GM and a recruitment process beings for a replacement GM.

Goldenfields Water declined to comment further in response to questions about Mr Hancock’s departure.

“We are not in the position to provide information regarding personnel matters.” a Goldenfields Water statement said.

Goldenfields Water’s board unanimously voter to appoint Mr Hancock as general manager in March, stating at the time he had “almost 15 years experience in the water utility industry most recently as the acting general manager of Mid Coast Water”.