Each year, Local Government Managers Australia (LGMA) Queensland presents the Young Manager Award for Leadership and Management Excellence. The award recognises the contribution and effort of a young manager in Local Government who has made an innovative and valuable contribution to their community and workplace.
In 2008, the nominations were strong and judges were impressed with the variety of skills and talent within the industry. Many candidates showed exceptional leadership skills using these to positively impact their community and improve processes and systems within council.
The applicants were assessed against criteria including visionary leadership, innovation and change, best practice, interpersonal skills and contribution to the community.
This year’s award went to Leo Jensen, Manager of Planning and Environment at the newly formed Moreton Bay Regional Council.
Leo was nominated by one of his staff, a testimony to his leadership and staff management. The nomination detailed the many successes Leo has had during his Local Government career and, in particular, the transformation of the Planning and Strategy Unit at the former Caboolture Shire Council into a dynamic working environment where staff are valued and recognised for their contribution to the many outputs of the unit.
In addition to developing a positive work culture, many land use and environmental planning projects under Leo’s stewardship have received both State and National Planning Awards, recognising the innovative and leading practice work being undertaken by his Unit.
Leo Jensen advocates the many benefits of pursuing a career in Local Government planning to young planning professionals and students entering the planning profession. He has taken an active role in ensuring the planning profession is well represented and has been a member of LGMA’s National Local Government Skills Shortage Steering Committee and Queensland’s Local Government Careers Taskforce.
As the 2008 Young Manager of the Year for Leadership and Management Excellence, Leo received funding for a personal or professional development activity of his choice and a complimentary registration to the LGMA National Congress.
