Planning and economic development expert appointed Ipswich Interim Administrator

Respected planning and economic development expert Greg Chemello has been appointed Interim Administrator of Ipswich City Council.

Mr Chemello’s appointment takes effect on Thursday and follows the passage of legislation in State Parliament yesterday to dismiss Ipswich City Council.

“Greg Chemello brings a strong set of capabilities to his role as Interim Administrator,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“Mr Chemello is currently the General Manager of Economic Development Queensland and has 35 years’ experience in the public and private sectors.

“He’s vastly experienced in governance, change management and commercial negotiations – all vital attributes needed to lead Ipswich in this challenging period.

“In addition to this, he has extensive experience in planning and government property transactions which will assist in managing a range of Council projects now underway in Ipswich.

“The wellbeing of Council staff will be a top priority for Mr Chemello, and he will be supported by an expert interim management committee.

“These experts have the right blend of skills – in governance, business, finance and community engagement – to help turn Ipswich City Council around and make it more transparent and accountable to the people of Ipswich.”

Biographies

Greg Chemello - Interim Administrator

Greg Chemello is currently General Manager of Economic Development Queensland. He was Acting Director-General of the Department of Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs earlier this year when the initial Belcarra reforms were being implemented. Over 35 years, Mr Chemello has served in senior professional, management and leadership roles in the private and government sectors in strategic planning, development, project management, and organisational change roles. 

Interim Management Committee

Stan Gallo (Forensic Investigation) - a current KPMG partner, he is experienced in the forensic investigation of organisations and will lead internal investigations of the Ipswich City Council. He was formerly employed by the Crime and Corruption Commission.

Simone Webbe (Governance, Ethics) – a barrister and former high-ranking public servant with extensive public sector experience in constitutional and public law, governance, accountability, anti-corruption and integrity reforms. She recently undertook a Strategic Review of the Office of the Queensland Ombudsman.

Jan Taylor (Community Engagement) – has experience in complex community consultation on private and public sector projects across Australia and internationally, through consultancy work with the United Nations. She has served two terms on the Queensland Competition Authority and chaired or been a non-executive director on boards for the RACQ, Building Services Authority and Ports Queensland.

Steve Greenwood (Business Engagement) – is a local government policy expert who has significant experience in urban planning and the property sector. He is the founding CEO of the Queensland Futures Institute, a former CEO of Canegrowers Australia and the former Queensland Executive Director of the Property Council of Australia.

Robert Jones (Future Financial Practices) – Former Chair of Queensland’s KPMG practice. He has strong experience in corporate governance and risk management and was Partner in Charge of KPMG’s Audit Practice for 10 years.

Media contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548