Energetic, experienced CEO ready for challenge

In a unanimous decision of Noosa Council, Scott Waters has been chosen to lead the organisation as its next Chief Executive Officer. 

Scott Waters has been named the new Chief Executive Officer of Noosa Council.

Mr Waters, the current CEO at the City of Darwin, will take on the top job in late February next year after emerging the preferred candidate from a nation-wide search which attracted a field of 87 applicants.

Mayor Clare Stewart said Mr Waters brings significant local government and financial experience to the role, coupled with a strong understanding of the private sector.

“During the interview process, it was quite evident that Mr Waters displayed great energy, passion and drive to deliver the vision for Noosa and the role Council will play in it,” she said.

“The selection panel was unanimous, as was the Council in endorsing the recommendation.”

Cr Stewart said the selection panel comprised herself, Deputy Mayor Frank Wilkie, and independent members including former Noosa CEO Bruce Davidson and Rhyll Gardner as well as Clare McCartin (observer from recruitment firm Davidson).

“We are very fortunate to find such a capable, experienced and dynamic leader who will guide council and its staff as we continue to thrive in the wake of the pandemic and deliver on our strategic vision for the shire,” said Mayor.

“We wanted someone with integrity, leadership skills and the ability to drive organisational change, while continuing to deliver high-quality services for our community,” the Mayor said.

Mr Waters has been Darwin’s chief executive for three years and was previously chief executive at Whitsunday Regional Council. He also guided the Whitsunday Airport for several years and was General Manager Regional Development and Aviation for Rockhampton Regional Council.

A highly experienced leadership executive, Mr Waters is driven to produce outcomes through community consultation and to develop a positive culture and performance.

He’s currently completing a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Mr Waters holds a Bachelor of Business with majors in Human Resource Management and Tourism Marketing plus an Advanced Diploma Airline Operations (Leadership and Management).

“It is an exciting challenge to join Noosa Council and I look forward to utilising my experience in tourism, economic development and leadership to serve council and the community to continue to deliver and enhance our core services and functions,” he said.

“I’m very focused on delivery, performance and outcomes,” Mr Waters said.

“Noosa Council is very much a leader in many areas of local government, so I want us to build on that with the staff and look to improve what we do for the community and local business."

Having grown up in North Queensland, Mr Waters is relishing the opportunity to return to the pleasant Sunshine Coast and Queensland weather.

“I was born in Mackay and have a strong affinity with the Queensland lifestyle, so I can’t wait to get out with Mayor Stewart, councillors and staff to visit Noosa’s localities and community leaders to understand what council is currently doing and can do to help the shire to thrive,” he said.

Mr Waters expects to start in the role in late February 2022.

“We were extremely impressed and without a doubt, we consider Scott the best candidate to lead us into the next chapter of our story,” Cr Stewart said.