August 7, 2012
Toowoomba Regional Council CEO Ken Gouldthorp has resigned after more than three years in the job.
A council media statement today paid tribute to Mr Gouldthorp’s leadership.
“Ken’s leadership role in the immediate aftermath and recovery from the January 2011 floods is one example of his accomplishments during his time as CEO,” Mayor Paul Antonio said.
“It was a role that demanded an oversight of unparalleled community rebuilding projects as well as management of unprecedented levels of capital works for this council.”
Former Councillor and current Agriculture Minister John McVeigh also praised Mr Gouldthorp’s actions following the floods.
“The CEO’s leadership during the January floods was particularly noteworthy and ensured that Toowoomba Regional Council and its staff reacted quickly to clear debris in the CBD, co-ordinate responses of other agencies through leading the local disaster co-ordination centre and maintain public safety throughout the region,” he said.
More praise came from Toowoomba and Surat Basin Chairman John Wagner, Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce President Andrew Weilandt and Former State Attorney General and Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine.
“We are indebted to Ken for his financial stewardship – in particular his negotiations with the former State Government over the Wivenhoe Pipeline in which the community was saved more than $55 million and provided a legacy of water security for generations to come,” Cr Antonio said.
In May, the Crime and Misconduct Commission cleared Mr Gouldthorp of claims of alleged breaches of council’s procurement policy.
The CMC concluded the claims could not be substantiated.
Mr Gouldthorp was appointed CEO in April 2009. He formerly worked for Mackay City Council and Isis Shire Council.
He said today he was looking forward to a little more privacy.
“It has been a privilege working in TRC and to have the opportunity to contribute to the broader Toowoomba regional community,” he said.
