CEO’S CITY LEGACY PLAIN FOR ALL TO SEE

COUNCIL CEO Dale Dickson on Friday left a farewell message that included being part of a golden “Gold Coast story”. Mr Dickson did not talk about his own achievements, and was determined not to reflect back but look forward as he prepared after 18 years to leave the Evandale chambers.

He asked staff to continue to have “community pride” and to be committed to making life easier for residents, businesses and visitors.

He talked about a sense of personal responsibility in your work rather than entitlement, and having empathy for the health of colleagues.

Lastly, he spoke about “the importance of doing your job with integrity”.

These are words rarely used as local government is busy with the daily grind of fixing roads, keeping rates low and collecting rubbish.

There is an unspoken legacy about Dale Dickson.

As the head of governance in the city’s biggest workforce, he is responsible for the Coast emerging far better than other neighbouring councils from the recent investigations by the state’s corruption body.

Other councils under less diligent CEOs emerged with their city’s reputations in tatters.

The former AFL player also shouldered a large responsibility for the Commonwealth Games infrastructure being delivered on time and setting foundations for the city’s success from the once-in-a-lifetime event.

This could have been a public relations disaster. Instead, the Coast’s story is a major reason southeast Queensland was considered for the Olympic bid.

Mr Dickson’s successor, leading Queensland bureaucrat David Edwards, worked with him on the Games and in an exclusive interview in today’s Bulletin spoke of his outstanding legacy.

“I’ve always found Dale fantastic to work with. He really did have the city first and foremost in his heart. I’d pay tribute to Dale for what he has done. I’m fortunate enough to walk into an organisation that is in really good shape,” Mr Edwards said.

The new CEO acknowledges both he and Mr Dickson have different strengths and weaknesses.

Mr Dickson was more the introvert, often separating the administration from the political wing at city hall.

Mr Edwards is more effusive and engaging. His track record with ecotourism projects in the north shows his willingness to engage with all stakeholders. He intends to meet with community and environmental groups.

His promise, to ensure our golden lifestyle is not lost in the pursuit of growth, is the foundation for the next chapter in the Gold Coast story.