Cook Shire Council’s new chief executive officer, Brian Joiner, jumped straight into the hot seat of managing the day-to-day operations of Queensland’s largest local government area.
“Cook Shire is geographically huge and incredibly culturally rich and diverse. I’m honoured and excited to be entrusted with the role of leading and guiding council’s service delivery to the community and its elected representatives,” Mr Joiner said.
Mr Joiner’s jam-packed first week included attending the August ordinary council meeting, a councillor workshop, a community planning event in Lakeland, an all-staff meeting and priority Cook Shire ‘new starter’ inductions and trainings.
Despite the busy schedule, Mr Joiner added he‘d be taking his time to get to know the business of Cook Shire better in order to understand the unique challenges and opportunities the council faces.
“I’ll be looking at all aspects of Council. We all want to see continued improvement, but I won’t be making any hasty decisions or dramatic changes.
“We have some urgent issues to deal with, but we must address these in a way that is consistent with building a long-term sustainable future.
“The decisions we make will be based on what is best for customers, stakeholders, colleagues and friends – in other words, for our whole community and the communities we do business with,” said Mr Joiner.
Cook Shire Mayor Peter Scott said: “Brian brings exceptional regional and remote experience, unique business acumen and fresh perspectives to Cook Shire.”
“The community will appreciate his down-to-earth nature, sense of humour and long-term career aspirations,” said Mayor Scott, adding that at nearly 7ft, tall Mr Joiner cuts an impressive figure.
“His presence in Cooktown has certainly not gone unnoticed,” said Mayor Scott.
“I look forward to working with Brian to continue to drive council and our community to new heights.”
