City searches for a Games changer CEO

THE Gold Coast City Council says it wants a CEO who can lobby successfully to get the city several major infrastructure wins in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympics.

An advertisement for the council’s top bureaucratic position says it is an “unparalleled opportunity to lead the second-largest local government authority in Australia”.

Apart from being responsible for more than 4000 staff and a budget of $1.83bn, the role is described as reformist because it could “transform the council, the community, and city of Gold Coast”.

“As the chief executive officer, you will join the organisation at a pivotal moment – the Gold Coast will co-host the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032,” the job advertisement says.

“You will have a critical role in guiding significant public infrastructure and community development over the coming decade.”

Dale Dickson ended his 18year CEO stint in March. His successor, top Brisbane tourism bureaucrat David Edwards,

stood down in the following month for medical reasons.

The position is both powerful and lucrative with a report in 2018 outlining how the CEO’s salary had blown out to more than $600,000 suggesting Mr Dickson was earning more than the prime minister.

Mayor Tom Tate had regarded the appointment of Mr Edwards as an opportunity to turbocharge the economy and help develop major projects like a Hinterland cableway.

His shock departure meant councillors made a decision to focus on the mid-year budget with experienced bureaucrat

Joe McCabe comfortable in directing the administration at Evandale.

With the southeast Queensland Olympics bid successful, the council has now gone to the market looking for a CEO with specific strengths.

Cr Tate told the Bulletin: “Given we are co-hosting the 2032 Games with Brisbane, we have advertised for a CEO that can lead our city through every exciting opportunity this will bring as we are already seeing enormous investment interest in the city from government and the private sector.

“I’m delighted that indications from the recruitment agency confirm we are receiving interest from the very best executives from around Australia but as you would appreciate with a position of this magnitude, candidates deserve complete confidentiality so no specific details will be revealed.

“This is an incredible opportunity to take our city into the next decade – and to achieve fantastic legacy outcomes for all residents.’’

Applications close at the end of August with council planning to confirm a new CEO in October.