General News
17 October, 2024
Outsider chosen as new Cairns council CEO
KEN Gouldthorp, a chief executive officer with experience in disaster management and rebuilding from severe floods, has been appointed as the new boss of Cairns Regional Council.
His appointment, which pays about $420,000 a year, was unanimously agreed to by councillors at a special meeting yesterday. Mayor Amy Eden did not take part in the appointment nor was at yesterday’s meeting chaired by deputy mayor Brett Olds.
Interim CEO John Andrejic, a previous council chief, was on the shortlist but Cr Olds said he was confident Mr Gouldthorp was “the best person for the job” as agreed by the unanimous majority of councillors.
Cr Olds said the new CEO would “hit the ground running”, starting early next month.
Mr Gouldthorp has been involved in local government for more than 20 years, most recently as the interim CEO at Isaac Regional Council (from August 2023 to June 2024).
He has also previously served as CEO at North Sydney, Mackay and Toowoomba councils.
While he was Toowoomba Regional Council CEO, Mr Gouldthorp coordinated local disaster responses during the unprecedented January 2011 floods and subsequently implemented a $175 million infrastructure flood recovery program, while maintaining the council’s ongoing annual capital works program.
He was also tasked with implementing the Toowoomba Water Infrastructure Plan to secure essential water supply.
This included negotiating commercial terms for the acquisition of the Wivenhoe pipeline, saving Toowoomba Regional Council more than $55m.
Mr Gouldthorp has a strong financial and governance background with qualifications that include Master of Commerce, Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) and Fellow of Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).
Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said the council was facing a critical period with a range of significant infrastructure challenges and the imminent cyclone season.
“Mr Gouldthorp has an understanding of the challenges faced by local governments and the delivery of major infrastructure projects, as well as experience in disaster recovery,” she said.
Cr Olds was asked what would happen if Cr Eden did not get along with Mr Gouldthorp and he replied that there would be a six month probation period and any decision not to proceed with the four year contract would be decided by all councillors.
Cr Olds said Mr Andrejic would be paid out his contract which ends on November 30.
In the interim, Christine Posgate will serve as acting CEO.
