Cameron Hoffman announced as interim chief executive of Maranoa Regional Council

Much has happened in a historic few weeks for the Maranoa Regional Council, and with the new council getting down to business we can reveal why Edwina Marks stepped down as chief executive.

Edwina Marks (right) tendered her resignation as chief executive of Maranoa Regional Council on March 28. Photo: Katrina Ayers.

Residents in the Maranoa region voted for a complete overhaul of their council, and that is certainly what they got.

New mayor Wendy Taylor has now officially been in the job for just over a week, armed with her chamber of mostly first-time councillors since Tuesday, April 9.

Maranoa Regional Council was officially sworn in on that date, and now they’re getting straight down to business.

Councillor Cameron O’Neil was officially announced as deputy mayor during the post-election meeting on Tuesday, and during the first ordinary meeting on April 10, more personnel decisions were made.

Current chief executive of the Maranoa Regional Council Edwina Marks proffered her resignation to the incumbent council on March 28.

Maranoa Regional Council meeting, April 9 2024. Cameron O'Neil was appointed as deputy mayor. Photo: Kristina Ayers.

As such, in the first ordinary meeting of the new term, her replacement, at least for the interim, was named.

Land-standing senior manager of the organisation, Cameron Hoffman, will take up the role of acting chief executive on April 12, 2024. He will remain in this position until a permanent replacement is found.

Mr Hoffman has made his priorities while in the role clear.

“I look forward to working with the new council in the recruitment of a permanent CEO, as well as ensuring the 2024-25 budget can be brought down on time,” Mr Hoffmann said.

“I am confident we can achieve this and, with the support of our team of dedicated staff, we will continue to focus on delivering quality local government services to the Maranoa community.”

Mrs Taylor said Ms Marks’ departure would facilitate a smooth transition in times of change.

“As it was not known how long the search for a permanent replacement would take, it was decided that it was best to proceed with the certainty of a continuing temporary appointment made from within council’s senior management,” Mrs Taylor said.

“We thank Edwina for the professionalism that she has brought to the role and her dedication to council service and wish her every success for her future.”

At the time of Ms Marks’ resignation, a Maranoa Regional Council spokesman said the decision was “routine”, and made to facilitate the change of council and to enable an orderly transition and time to find her successor”.

Originally published as Cameron Hoffman announced as interim chief executive of Maranoa Regional Council