Noosa Council director of corporate services Michael Shave’s sudden departure

The sudden departure of a key council executive has brought to light the stresses placed on staffers amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

A review of operations looms as Noosa Council fills two key executive positions after the sudden departure of a director earlier this month.

Chief executive officer Brett de Chastel confirmed Michael Shave no longer worked as the council’s director of corporate services.

While the nature of his departure remained unclear reports suggested he was “escorted” out of council offices last Friday.

Mr Shave had worked for the council for eight years and earlier this year was acting chief executive officer.

It was one of several major staffing changes at the council with chief executive Mr de Chastel to retire in November.

Mr de Chastel confirmed that of the 24 managers, two retired this year and two more “left to take up other opportunities”.

Noosa Council's former director of corporate services Michael Shave.

Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart said the council had several crucial appointments to make.

In response to questions of any internal issues for staff she said that Covid-19 placed additional pressure on the organisation.

“The departures of Michael and Brett add new urgency to the transformation that Noosa Council must continue to be a dynamic, focused and stable organisation,” Ms Stewart said.

Ms Stewart said she wanted an independent organisation to complete a “health check” of the council once the positions were filled.

“My intention is that the review, to be undertaken by an independent third party, will assist us to highlight areas of our performance where there are gaps and that it will recommend initiatives we can take to improve what we do,” she said.

Noosa Council CEO Brett de Chastel.

Ms Stewart said she had a “deep sense of regret” about Mr Shave no longer working with council.

“Much of the reason we are in such a good position financially is due to Michael’s outstanding ability and his fiscal responsibility,” she said.

“I feel a deep sense of regret about his departure. At the same time, I would register that decisions of this nature demand our respect and confidentiality.”

She said Covid-19 had a substantial impact on a number of roles.

“For example, some planning staff have left for roles in the private enterprise sector,” she said.

“There has been additional pressures due to Covid but councillors are very appreciative of council staff.

“These are stresses not felt just at our council but Australia wide.”

Mr de Chastel said Mr Shave made a significant contribution and was instrumental in guiding the council’s financial security.

Finance manager Trent Grauf has been appointed acting director of corporate services.

Mr de Chastel said the director of environment and sustainable planning had been on extended sick leave and was due to return in a part-time capacity from next week.