Council praises service of CEO
Date published: 8 April 2016
Townsville mayor Cr Jenny Hill publicly thanked Mr Ray Burton for his work as Townsville City Council chief executive officer after he resigned from the position today.
Mr Burton, who has held the post since 2008, will take annual leave from today and officially leave the council on July 1.
Cr Hill said Mr Burton navigated the council through the difficult period after the amalgamation of Townsville and Thuringowa local governments.
“Ray served an extremely important role in steering the council organisation through the post amalgamation years,” Cr Hill said.
“His experience ensured that the merger occurred much more smoothly here than it did with many other local government amalgamations in the State. Ray led the council organisation over two terms of council and oversaw many major projects and initiatives.
“There have been many highlights including the Flinders Street and Jezzine Barracks redevelopments, construction of the new Mount St John Treatment Plant, Blakeys and Dalrymple Road crossing upgrades, and the development of the new City Plan.
“On behalf of the council I thank Ray for the work he has done as CEO over the past eight years in the service of the city.”
Mr Burton said his role as the council’s CEO had been a highlight of his career in local government.
“It has been an honour to serve the community of Townsville and I’m proud of what the council has achieved over the past eight years,” Mr Burton said.
“I thank the council and dedicated staff for the support they have given me in my time in the job.”
Mr Burton was recognised for more than 40 years of public service in local government, when he was awarded the Public Service Medal in last year’s Australia Day Awards.
Cr Hill said the council would work with the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) to manage the recruitment process for the CEO position.
“The council will begin the process as soon as possible to find the best possible candidate for the position.”
“In the meantime the council’s director of Infrastructure Mr Neil Allen will step up as acting CEO to ensure we have the necessary experience and leadership in place until a new appointment is made.”
