Luke Johnson resigns from Wollondilly Council

Wollondilly Council will be looking for a new general manager from July following the resignation of Luke Johnson.

Wollondilly Council general manager Luke Johnson

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Wollondilly Council chief executive officer Luke Johnson has resigned from his position.

Wollondilly councillors accepted Mr Johnson’s resignation, which is effective as of the end of June, in a closed meeting last night.

Mr Johnson has been on leave for most of the year.

Luke Johnson, then mayor Simon Landow and then planning minister Rob Stokes at the announcement of Wilton Junction in 2015. Picture: Ian Svegovic

He was criticised by the United Services Union and councillors over his initial refusal to release an independent report into workplace bullying at the council.

The report cleared the council of any wrongdoing and there was no suggestion Mr Johnson had engaged in any bullying.

Wollondilly Mayor Matthew Deeth has been in negotiations with Mr Johnson regarding his position since January.

Infrastructure director Michael Malone will continue as acting CEO until a new executive is

appointed.

Luke Johnson (second from left) at a Sydney Water campaign in February 2018.

Cr Deeth said a committee made of himself, former mayors Judy Hannan and Simon Landow and Deputy Mayor Matthew Gould would search for the new CEO before the full council made the final decision on the appointment.

When asked if the councillors would search for an external appointment for the position, Cr Deeth said candidates would be sought from within and outside council.

“We’re not going to close any doors, the position will be picked on merit but we will be searching far and wide for a candidate who will best meet the needs of the people of Wollondilly,” he said.

The search is expected to start immediately.

Wollondilly Mayor Matthew Deeth

In a statement released this morning by Wollondilly Council, Mr Johnson said he was looking forward to taking a break and enjoying personal time with family and exploring new opportunities.

“I also feel very positive about what we have been able to achieve and I know that we are well placed for a bright future,” he said.

“Together we have built a very solid base for the future and I know that the staff and Councillors will work together to continue to deliver great services and community connections to all Wollondilly residents.

“I have no doubt that Council will continue to focus on the future and work to provide exceptional service to residents.”

Cr Deeth praised Mr Johnson’s 10 years of service to the community and council.

Cr Deeth said Mr Johnson’s work had ensured Wollondilly Council had achieved Fit for the Future status from the State Government, enabled significant increases in the capital budget for the renewal of ageing assets and chairing the Wollondilly Health Alliance.

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