Scott Waters resigns as Noosa Council CEO for Moreton Bay move

After 14 months in the top job the Noosa Council’s chief executive officer has resigned for a career move to a larger council.

Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart and chief executive officer Scott Waters.

Noosa Council chief executive Scott Waters has resigned after 14 months on the job after he accepted a job at Moreton Bay Regional Council, the third largest council in the country.

Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart said Mr Waters had been essential in guiding the council through floods and a bigger-than-ever budget after joining the organisation in February 2022.

“It’s certainly a huge loss for our council but I understand that Scott has to make the right decisions for his family and career,” she said.

Mr Waters said he was initially drawn to the job due to Ms Stewart’s progressive views and said he was proud of the work he had achieved.

“The first phase of Noosa 2.0 is in place, we have a new corporate plan, our structure realignment is being finalised, a refreshed council brand about to roll out and a leadership program based on renewed organisational values is underway,” he said.

“I am genuinely excited at what we are building here in Noosa, but the opportunity to take on such a challenging and significant role for me personally and professionally is the next step in my career.”

Mr Waters had previously been the chief executive officer at the City of Darwin from June 2018 till February 2022.

He was selected out of 87 applicants to lead the organisation following Brett de Chastel’s retirement in 2022 after eight years in the role.

Mr Waters’ last day will be Friday, May 12 before he begins his role as chief executive at Moreton Bay Regional Council.

Ms Stewart said infrastructure services director Larry Sengstock will be acting chief executive officer until the role is filled.

Originally published as Scott Waters resigns as Noosa Council CEO for Moreton Bay move