Council executive retires

There was movement among the executive leadership at Central Highlands Regional Council this week with the resignation of General Manager Infrastructure and Water Utilities Gerhard Joubert.

Chief Executive Officer Scott Mason said the change could be attributed to the COVID-19 response, but in a good way.

‘This general manager, like the majority of our people, was compelled to work from home for an extended period this year and that change in environment brought on some self-reflection that resulted in his retirement plans being accelerated.

‘Mr Joubert, a fellow of Public Works Engineers Australasia and Engineers Australia, bought years of valuable experience to the role both internationally and within Queensland,’ said Mr Mason.

‘Starting with council in early 2016, Mr Joubert competently steered the infrastructure and water utilities teams through the ups and downs of local government business.

‘Some of the notable projects and achievements credited to his leadership include: the $22M upgrade of the Black Gully wastewater treatment plant, sealing of the final 14 kilometres of the Carnarvon Gorge Road, a $3.2M project to excavate the Nogoa River for flood mitigation, the completion of a $21M road sealing project on the Blackwater Rolleston Road, and the facilitation of the multi-stakeholder road-rail CQ Inland Port development.’

Mr Mason described Mr Joubert as ‘an affable and popular manager.

‘He was quick to recognise an opportunity for positive change and created a successful regional model for the road construction and maintenance service,’ he said.

‘I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Joubert for his contribution to the council and also the Central Highlands’ community and wish him all the best for the future,’ Mr Mason added.

Manager Infrastructure Jason Hoolihan will take the reins of the Infrastructure and Water Utilities Department as acting general manager for the next three months.