Sunshine Coast Council’s James Ruprai resigns from executive role

An experienced local government executive has resigned from an influential position on the Sunshine Coast. FIND OUT WHY HE’S DEPARTED HERE:

A key Sunshine Coast Council executive said he left the organisation and the region with his head held high after four years in an influential position.

James Ruprai resigned from his position as group executive customer engagement and planning services after four important years with significant changes throughout the council and region.

Mr Ruprai and wife Sarah have moved to the New South Wales south coast to be closer to family where he has taken up a position at the Shoalhaven City Council.

The experienced local government executive played a key role in the Maroochydore City Centre’s robotic waste system that cost council $21m as well as other waste strategies and work on transparency for development approvals.

“We kicked a lot of goals,” Mr Ruprai said.

“I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved over the past four years.”

“I think a lot of what we have done for transparency is a real high note for me.

“Development I and building that system to give real transparency to anyone in the community interested in development matters was a real high point.”

Mr Ruprai formed part of early discussions for the council’s new planning scheme which is still being formed.

He said it would be one of the biggest challenges for the council in coming years.

“That’s the million dollar question this council will be grappling with,” Mr Ruprai said.

“I boiled it down to two key questions … what do we value on the Sunshine Coast – what are the non-negotiables?

“And secondly, what do we want to see for our children, and their children’s children?

“We need to think about what legacy we are leaving them, things like housing affordability, maintenance of the natural environment, access to beaches and dune protection.”

There were major changes within council during his time working under the chief executive officer.

Mr Ruprai’s was one of three new positions created when the council went through a restructure of its corporate hierarchy under former CEO Michael Whittaker.

He was one of three people chosen from 349 applicants for the position that as of 2021 had a salary of between $300,000-$400,000.

Former CEO Michael Whittaker left the council in December 2020 and in September 2020 Emma Thomas filled the position on a five-year contract.

Mr Ruprai said he had not spoken to Mr Whittaker since the former CEO left.

“Different executives put a different spin on things from their experience and where they see things going,” he said.

“I have enjoyed my time consecutively over the past four years here.

“(Those changes) are just a bit of a shift in the landscape and you get that whenever any executive roles change.

“It’s a different captain steering the ship.

“In saying that I have enjoyed my time with Emma (current council chief executive Emma Thomas).”

Mr Ruprai, who when asked his age replies “old enough to have 10 years’ executive experience and young enough to set up an iphone”, said he would love to return to the Sunshine Coast in the future.