Statement from Sunshine Coast Council
Sunshine Coast Council’s Chief Executive Officer Michael Whittaker has tendered his resignation from his position with Council.
Mr Whittaker has been on sick leave since Monday, February 10 and he and his family have taken this decision in the best interests of enabling him to recover his health.
Mr Whittaker started with council as its Chief Executive Officer in September 2015, following a nationwide recruitment process that attracted 116 candidates.
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson informed the council meeting today (February 20) of Mr Whittaker’s resignation.
“During his time with our council, Michael oversaw major corporate changes to position the organisation to deliver on our priorities today, as well as those of the council over the course of the next decade,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“He has also led the delivery of many of our region-shaping and other major projects, overseeing what are often complex arrangements that need to be delivered in a way that achieves the best outcome for ratepayers.
“Notwithstanding this, Michael fully appreciated the importance of the core business of council and worked to ensure our service standards remain responsive to the needs of our community.
“Michael also exercised a firm hand over council’s financial and budget management arrangements, which has enabled our council to retain its Strong Financial Sustainability rating with Queensland Treasury Corporation.
“On behalf of our council, I would like to take this opportunity to wish Michael, his wife Rebecca and their daughters our best wishes for their future.
“We also wish Michael a speedy return to good health and thank him for his contribution to our Council.”
Mr Whittaker said that to serve as Chief Executive Officer of council had been a tremendous honour and he was proud of the achievements of the one team approach – Councillors and staff working together – since 2015.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mayor Jamieson, Councillors and the council administration for the support that has been provided to me while carrying out my role as Chief Executive Officer,” Mr Whittaker said.
Given the local government caretaker period will start this coming Saturday (February 22), the recruitment process for a new Chief Executive Officer will be undertaken by the next council.
In the interim, council senior executive Warren Bunker will continue as Acting Chief Executive Officer.
