Toowoomba Regional Council seeks new CEO
Following months of questions and building pressure, Toowoomba council is actively searching for a new chief executive as the current chief executive Brian Pidgeon remains on leave after several months.
Council
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One of the longest-serving council chief executives in Queensland will be finishing his contract at Toowoomba Regional Council next year, after a year of mounting pressure to make a call on his career.
Speculations of chief executive Brian Pidgeon’s future were raised in October following council’s latest annual report, which revealed a $12m deficit, prompting concerns about the organisation’s spending practices.
The announcement of Mr Pidgeon’s departure in 2025 follows the chief executive being on leave for several months, which had also been extended in October.
In May 2024, key stakeholders both inside and outside the council suggested the leadership at the TRC had stagnated, questioning the lack of long-term planning around the imminent Cressbrook Dam safety upgrade.
Mayor Geoff McDonald and deputy mayor Rebecca Vonhoff announced on Monday the search had started for a new chief executive.
As elected representatives, the councillors want to make sure they take every opportunity “to get the right person for the job,” Mr McDonald said.
Council will be casting a wide net for a new chief executive who has the skills to manage the enormous growth and development of the region, the ability to work with the elected representatives and council and understands the roles and obligations of the position and local government, he said.
“And has an eye for the future and a clear focus on the present,” he said.
Acknowledging the past chief executive’s 11 years of work within the council, Mr McDonald wished Mr Pidgeon “all the best his in future endeavours”.
“I’m very fortunate and proud to say that Brian has been a great confidant for me, assisting me as a new mayor around process and making sure I understand what the process is,” he said.
In terms of the challenges the new chief executive would face, Mr McDonald said the region is full of opportunities.
“You will not hear me talk about challenges, anytime other than now, because challenges bring opportunities and that’s what we are focused on,” he said.
Mr Pidgeon started working at Toowoomba City Council in the 1990s, and had a number of manager and director positions before he became chief executive in 2013.
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