New council CEO revealed

Scott Waters is the new CEO of Moreton Bay Regional Council, adding Australia's third largest council to the same position he held at Whitsunday, Darwin and Noosa.

Mayor Peter Flannery said Mr Water’s mix of corporate, economic development, tourism, and local government experience made him the standout candidate.

"It was important to me for Moreton Bay to not only find an energetic and experienced CEO, but get someone with the kind of creative and tactical mind that will be needed to navigate the uncertain economic times ahead," Mayor Flannery said.

"I warned all the applicants for this role it wasn't for the fainthearted, given the population growth we're experiencing and our commitment to keeping 75 per cent of the Moreton Bay land mass as green space.

Impressed panel

"Scott certainly impressed the selection panel with his energy and enthusiasm about our region's potential.

"He is no stranger to city growth, having served as the CEO of the City of Darwin for nearly four years during a transformative time for the region.”

In that time he delivered a $750 million Darwin City Deal with the Northern Territory Government and Charles Darwin University and a capital works program that delivered jobs and continued economic growth through infrastructure development.

"Scott is a believer in innovation and excellence, with a commercial focus,” said the Mayor.

“Which was particularly important to me because as we enter an economically uncertain time with high inflation, we will want a steady hand on the tiller.

"Fortunately for our incoming CEO, the foundations for success have already been laid by our outgoing CEO Greg Chemello.

"I want to thank Greg for overseeing the preparation and implementation of our new corporate strategies, ensuring Moreton Bay has remained in a strong financial position through a difficult time and working to improve Council's productivity and staff retention.

"The opportunities and challenges before us as a Council are complex, significant, and exciting and I'm confident Scott will ensure we're successful in our ambitions.”

'Exciting time'

Mayor Flannery said it was an “exciting time” for Council.

“We're pleased to have Scott at the helm as we write a new chapter in Moreton Bay's story as one of the fastest-growing local government areas and put Moreton Bay on the map ahead of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032," he said.

Mr Waters will be on board in late April, to be briefed and ready to formally take on the role of Moreton Bay CEO on May 15, 2023.