By Lucy Waldron
Southern Downs Regional Council voted to extend Acting CEO Steve Johnston’s term until the end of January 2025, in a special meeting held on 26 September.
Initially appointed to serve from 9 September to 8 November 2024, while former CEO Dave Burges was on leave, Mr Johnston’s role was prolonged following Mr Burges’ termination.
The extension will allow the council time to conduct a comprehensive recruitment process for the permanent CEO position.
The motion to extend Mr Johnston’s term was moved by Councillor Cynthia McDonald and seconded by Councillor Joel Richters.
Speaking in support of the motion, Cr McDonald commended Johnston’s leadership during his short time in the role.
“In the position of CEO of any organisation, there must be leadership, trust, integrity, respect, honesty, courage, foresight, guidance, determination and example,” she said.
“Acting CEO Steven Johnston in your short tenure with SDRC, I’ve seen all of these attributes displayed and more.”
Cr McDonald also acknowledged Mr Johnston’s commitment to analysing the organisation and providing candid feedback on its current state.
“We’re in turbulent waters at present and with someone of your leadership qualities and abilities, I am sure you will be able to steady the rudder back to smooth sailing for the organisation,” she said.
“I look forward to working with you in the future, for the betterment of our organisation as a whole and our wider community.”
The motion also included a recommendation to delegate authority to the Mayor to amend the short-term contract of the Acting CEO if necessary.
Councillor Ross Bartley, however, voiced his concerns about delegating such authority to the Mayor, stating that decisions regarding the CEO should involve the full council.
In response, Mayor Hamilton adjusted the wording of the motion, clarifying that the authority would only allow the Mayor to “shorten” the contract term if required, which addressed Cr Bartley’s concerns.
With the revised wording, the motion passed unanimously, and the meeting concluded after just three minutes.
