MITCHELL Shire Council has appointed a new chief executive, Brett Luxford, who will start with council from August 24.
Mr Luxford joins council with experience in economic development, planning, and environment and revitalisation after most recently serving as director of economy, investment and attraction at the City of Greater Geelong.
He has been successful in executive leadership roles with strong experience working in growth areas, peri-urban and rural areas and has a strong knowledge of the area having worked in senior roles at Hume and Macedon Ranges councils.
Mr Luxford’s achievements include leading the development of a partnership with the State Government to revitalise central Geelong resulting in significant investment into the city, business support and development in regional and peri-urban councils resulting in investment and job creation, and activating land development for long-term employment opportunities.
Mr Luxford also has experience in stimulating investment and participation while developing strong networks that create a strong foundation for economic and community success.
Employment in growth areas has been a real passion for Mr Luxford, particularly opening opportunities for families to remain in a municipality.
Mr Luxford said he was ‘excited and honoured’ to lead Mitchell Shire Council.
“Mitchell has so many opportunities that it can capitalise on and I look forward to continuing to build a strong and connected community that is well supported by a highly functioning organisation,” he said.
“Growth councils have their challenges, but they are exciting. I look forward to joining the Mitchell team and continuing to build on the hard work that has already taken place to position the council to meet future population growth and needs.”
Mitchell Shire Mayor David Lowe said Mr Luxford’s passion for seeing communities grow would drive council’s vision.
“His expertise in economic development and planning around the growth of peri-urban councils as well as respecting the needs of rural areas will serve us very well across our shire,” he said.
“Importantly, he will come to Mitchell with a solid foundation for opportunities because of the work led by former chief executive David Turnbull and his team.
“The organisation has been well-led by our executive leadership team who have steered the organisation during the passing of Mr Turnbull, as well as the response and recovery to the COVID-19 pandemic.”