100% Locally Owned, Independent and Free

100% Locally Owned, Independent and Free

Group executive civic governance stepping down from council role

Do you have a news tip? Click here to send to our news team.

New $27m unit to support mums after childbirth

A new facility at a Sunshine Coast hospital will provide specialist care for mothers experiencing mental health challenges after childbirth. The purpose-built $27 million eight-bed More

Childhood rescue sparks LifeFlight doctor’s career

A childhood encounter with an aeromedical helicopter set Dr Neeban Balayasoderan on the path to a lifesaving career. Dr Balayasoderan is one of LifeFlight’s newest More

Sami Muirhead: dancing away with my heart

My daughter and I sharing a dodgy hotel room, a kebab feast and a plastic glass of red wine (for me) filled to the More

Police investigate after woman presents with gunshot wound

A crime scene has been declared and police are investigating after a woman arrived at a  Sunshine Coast hospital with a gunshot wound. The Queensland More

Data centre survey puts $35,000 figure on buyer reluctance

New data centres could deter prospective property buyers or prompt them to demand tens of thousands of dollars off the asking price, according to More

Bricklaying boss warns of skilled worker shortage

The Sunshine Coast is facing a skilled worker shortage as the region gears up for billions of dollars in construction and infrastructure projects. The challenge More

Another senior Sunshine Coast Council executive is leaving the organisation, the second major departure to be announced in the past month.

A statement from chief executive officer Emma Thomas said group executive civic governance Craig Matheson was leaving his role.

“After nearly 14 years working for council, our respected and trusted colleague Craig Matheson has decided to chart a new path in his career,” she said.

It comes after the announcement last month that Ms Thomas herself will step down from her role on June 14, with group executive for customer and planning services Debra Robinson to take over as interim CEO.

Ms Thomas has been appointed as interim chief executive to the independent Games Venue and Legacy Delivery Authority, before she then becomes the new CEO of Seqwater.

The statement from Ms Thomas congratulated Mr Matheson on his achievements during his time with the council.

“Craig has been a highly valued member of council’s executive leadership team and has been a significant contributor to many region-shaping council projects, including the Sunshine Coast Airport, the development of the Maroochydore city centre, council’s role in the candidate bid for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and council’s Regional Economic Development Strategy,” Ms Thomas said.

Emma Thomas has accepted a new role.

“More recently, Craig has led significant positive transformation of council’s civic governance function.

“Craig has built and fostered a team of highly talented, professional and caring group of people who have achieved much together and embody each one of council’s values.”

Ms Thomas will replace former Seqwater CEO Neil Brennan, who stepped down this year after almost six years in the role.

Seqwater has interim arrangements in place while Ms Thomas serves as the temporary CEO of the Games authority, until a permanent appointment to that role is made.

In a statement, Seqwater said Ms Thomas’ experience in senior leadership across several sectors, including aviation, rail, public transport, infrastructure and local government, provided her with an excellent background to lead the organisation.

“I am incredibly excited for the opportunity to join the team at Seqwater,” Ms Thomas said.

“I’ve had the great pleasure to meet some of the team at Seqwater already and admire the knowledge, technical skills and teamwork that go towards providing South-East Queenslanders with a clean, safe and valued water supply.”

Seqwater is the Queensland bulk water supply authority, responsible for providing water to more than three million people across South-East Queensland. It has a head office in Ipswich, an office in Brisbane’s CBD and 36 water treatment plants.

Help keep independent and fair Sunshine Coast news coming by subscribing to our FREE daily news feed. All it requires is your name and email at the bottom of this article.

Subscribe to SCN’s free daily news email

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
This field is hidden when viewing the form
[scn_go_back_button] Return Home
Share