Aaron Johansson appointed as Goulburn Mulwaree Council general manager

Three months after the general manager left the job helming a Southern Tablelands council, a Queensland man has now been appointed to take his place.

Three months after Warwick Bennett left his job as Goulburn Mulwaree Council’s general manager, Queensland man Aaron Johansson has now taken his place and promises to “listen” to the community as he takes on the crucial role.

In a statement, Mayor Peter Walker said he was excited to announce Aaron Johansson’s appointment after an extensive recruitment process.

“Aaron will move here with his charming wife and secondary school age daughter to take up the role, beginning Monday July 11, 2022,” Cr Walker said.

“Aaron has been appointed on a five-year performance-based contract and looks forward to making our wonderful region his home.”

Mr Johansson was the chief executive officer of Charters Towers Regional Council in Queensland for more than four years.

The council’s 2020 annual report said he earned somewhere between $250,000 and $350,000 a year, while the Goulburn Mulwaree Council’s annual report said Mr Bennett’s income was $352,433.

Due to a non-disclosure agreement, it is unknown why Mr Warwick left his position.

Cr Walker said the council was “very fortunate to have attracted someone of Aaron’s calibre” and that during the two interviews – which he travelled to Goulburn for on both occasions – he impressed all councillors with his mature approach along with his obvious energy and drive.

Prior to Charters Towers, he worked at Isaac Regional Council for four years as chief financial officer and then as director corporate, governance and financial services.

Besides working in local government, he also worked in mining, education and financial services management roles.

He has academic qualifications in finance, planning and business, being an Australian Institute of Company Directors graduate and holding a Certificate of Membership from the Institute of Chartered Accountants.

In the statement, Mr Johansson passed on a message to the community:

“What a wonderful opportunity the council has given me to come and be part of the exciting future I see ahead for the council and its region,” Mr Johansson said.

“I am also conscious that the financial sustainability of the council is paramount so we can continue to give excellent services to our community.”

He referred to himself as “a good listener” and expressed a willingness to see how he can best support the staff and community.

“I love being part of a community and will get out and about in my first week to meet as many community members as I can,” Mr Johansson said.

“I want to hear what their council can improve and they can be assured I will identify the priorities and act upon findings to build a better Goulburn Mulwaree.”

The Bowral News reached out to Mr Johansson, but was told he will only be making comments when he begins his role as general manager next month.

In the statement, Cr Walker also took the opportunity to thank the sitting acting general manager Matthew O’Rourke and corporate and community services director Brendan Hollands who acted in the role from March 18 until May 5.

“Council is very appreciative of the outstanding work both Matt and Brendan did in the role and I am sure with the quality of our executive team we are in for more great times ahead,” Cr Walker said.