General News
19 February, 2025
New Cairns CEO unanimously backed by councillors
CAIRNS Regional Council’s new chief executive officer Ken Gouldthorp has had his four-year contract confirmed at a council meeting.
Councillors went into a closed meeting briefly on Wednesday morning to discuss his contract and emerged a few minutes later to unanimously confirm his appointment.
The meeting follows reports that a anonymous letter was circulated to councillors critical of the CEO.
Later Mayor Amy Eden issued a statement in support of Mr Gouldthorp.
“I’d like to put discussion about the future of the Cairns Regional Council CEO Ken Gouldthorp to bed once and for all,” she said.
“Ken has my full support, and over the past three months since his appointment, we have developed a strong working relationship, and with so much on the agenda we are committed to delivering for our residents.
“As such, at the ordinary meeting on Wednesday February 12, I will be moving a motion that confirms Ken’s ongoing engagement as the CEO of Cairns Regional Council.
“The circumstances prior to Ken’s appointment created a difficult start for both him and I, but there’s been strong momentum since he started.
“We’ve just had a big win with the federal funding for the water security project, we’ve had great news on some other funding projects which we’ll be able to talk about soon and we are dealing with emerging issues such as the Bedminster advanced resource recovery facility fire and severe weather.”
Deputy Mayor Brett Olds said: “Ken has the full support of all councillors. In the time Ken has been here, he has gained the confidence of the full council and staff. He is providing valuable leadership as we work through the recent challenges.”
