Interim Administrator Steve Greenwood has been appointed special adviser for the incoming Ipswich City Council.
Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe made the announcement this week on the eve of the local government elections, which will see the return of elected representatives to Ipswich after the previous council was dismissed in August 2018.
Mr Greenwood, who served on the Interim Management Committee advising previous Interim Administrator Greg Chemello, took over the IA role after Mr Chemello was appointed CEO of Moreton Bay Regional Council in January.
He chaired his last full council meeting on Tuesday.
“I am pleased to have been appointed to provide advice and support to the incoming mayor and councillors,” Mr Greenwood said.
“It’s important that council maintains the integrity of the substantial reforms achieved during the period of administration.
“I look to forward to working with the new elected representatives over the coming 12 months.”
Mr Hinchliffe said it was an important role following a period of administration and major transformation in council.
“An adviser will ensure a smooth and seamless transition to a fully-elected council for the people of Ipswich,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“This appointment will provide continuity to the significant work done under the interim administration in restoring good governance to Ipswich City Council and provide support to incoming councillors new to the role.”
The minister noted Mr Greenwood’s significant experience in urban planning and the property sector and said his knowledge of council through his time as interim administrator will be invaluable.
“He is also the founding CEO of the Queensland Futures Institute, a former CEO of Canegrowers Australia and the former Queensland Executive Director of the Property Council of Australia.
“I congratulate him on his appointment and look forward to working with him in his new role and with the new Ipswich City Council.”
Mr Greenwood, speaking at the final council meeting before Saturday’s poll, said robust policies, streamlined procedures, a strong fiscal position and a highly skilled workforce await a new mayor and eight councillors after they’re elected.
“We’re ready for handover,” Mr Greenwood said.
“Our teams have spent more than 18 months preparing a system which is now highly regarded in local government circles, and one which other councils are learning from.
“They have built policies and procedures which are first class and which will serve this city well into the future.”
Mr Greenwood said he had full confidence that the new council could govern in the knowledge they had a great leadership team behind them.
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