New council directors announced

The Southern Downs Regional Council has appointed two new directors who will join the organisation in November.

A statement released by the council today says two candidates have been offered and will be taking up the roles of Director Sustainable Development and Director Infrastructure Services.

“The new Director Sustainable Development Jane Stroud has previously been employed at Logan City Council in the roles of Director Innovation and City Transformation, Manager Office of the Mayor and Chief Executive, Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Customer Services Stream, and Manager Community Services,” the statement says.

“Jane has also been employed as Manager Library Services at Moreton Bay Regional Council, Community Planning Coordinator at Caboolture Shire Council, Team Leader Major Projects and Social Planning at Maroochy Shire.

“Jane holds qualifications in Planning, Management and Business and has completed the Institute of Company Directors Course.

“Jane and her husband enjoy racing VWs at Morgan Park.

“The new Director Infrastructure will be Graham O’Byrne.

“For the last three years Graham has been the General Manager at Cairns Regional Council where he managed 250 staff and a budget of $150 million.

“Prior to this role Graham has worked in the private sector as the National Operations Manager for WENGFU Australia, as the Chief Executive Officer of Spectran and in other roles for Jemena, Impact Fertilizers, Hydro Tasmania, Ionik Consultation and Johnstone, McGee and Gandy.

“Graham has an Engineering qualification and is a fellow of the Institution of Engineers and a Chartered Professional Engineer, and has also completed Institute of Company Directors Course.

“Graham has 27 years in senior executive roles as either a Chief Executive Officer, Director or General Manager.”

The council statement says a third director vacancy, Corporate and Community Services, has been re-advertised.

The announcement follows the departure of former senior council executives Ken Harris and Peter See earlier this year, and a management restructure involving the creation of the three new director roles.