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Group executive civic governance stepping down from council role

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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.

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