Mayor farewells CEO

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Published
22nd October 2021

Mayor Clare Stewart has acknowleged the significant contribution made by reitring Noosa CEO Brett de Chastel through his 32 years of dedicated service to local government.

Mayoral Minute

On Tuesday 02 November 2021, Noosa Council Chief Executive Officer, Brett de Chastel, will retire: bringing to an end a distinguished 32-year career in local government.

Following an early career as a lawyer, Mr de Chastel commenced with Ipswich City Council as their in-house lawyer. He was appointed to Noosa Council in 2001 as the Director of Corporate Services and brought a strong focus on sustainable financial management and sound processes to deliver good decision making. He was the lead in Council’s response to the Size, Shape and Sustainability process which sought to provide greater efficiencies in local government. He was able to demonstrate Noosa Council’s long-term sustainability and close connection to community values. Following amalgamation he spent five years providing advice and support to Queensland local governments as a consultant. He then supported the de-amalgamation campaign to help demonstrate to the State government that a de-amalgamated Council could be successful.

In 2014 Mr de Chastel was appointed to the position of the first Chief Executive Officer of the new formed Noosa Council following Council’s de-amalgamation from Sunshine Coast Regional Council.

In eight years in the CEO role, Mr de Chastel has overseen the creation of the new Noosa Council from its infancy in developing foundation systems and services to now a highly capable local government offering services and policies that are in keeping with community values and that they can be proud of.

Under his stewardship the Council has:

  • strengthened its financial foundation and maintained a focus on good governance;
  • developed a full suite of policies and plans most notably the new Noosa Plan 2020, Social Strategy, Environment Strategy and Local Economic Plan;
  • planned and delivered a large annual capital works program with key infrastructure delivered including the award winning Peregian Digital Hub and Park Road Boardwalk;
  • implemented strategic initiatives to respond to contemporary challenges such as the Go Noosa transport strategy and Zero Emissions Noosa;
  • capably handled a range of community challenges including John’s Landing, the 2019 bushfires and Covid-19; and
  • championed legacy projects with a standout being the Yurol Ringtail Forest land transfer which will protect 2,400 hectares of forest.

Mr de Chastel has also put back into the local government sector through his membership of the board of the Local Government Managers Association, most recently as the current LGMA State President. He has a passion for mentoring up and coming leaders and in supporting indigenous councils.

Known for his calm manner and integrity, Mr de Chastel has capably guided three Mayors and groups of Councillors, the Executive and over 450 staff through the challenges and opportunities found in leading a local government. He has a great care for people and making a positive difference through public service. He has been committed to the importance of local government as the level of government closest to the community, to listening to the community and working hand-in-hand with them to deliver the best outcomes for now and into the future.

Following 20 years with Noosa Council, Mr de Chastel is now retiring to pursue his volunteer work and enjoy time with his family.  We wish him all the very best.