Scenic Rim Regional Council appoints new CEO

Scenic Rim Regional Council has announced the appointment of Mr David Keenan as its new Chief Executive Officer.

David brings to the Scenic Rim a wealth of experience in local government through previous Chief Executive Officer roles with Mitchell Shire Council, Hume City Council (acting), Tweed Shire Council, Southern Downs Regional Council and, most recently, Mount Isa City Council.

In his role at Mount Isa David was involved in facilitating over $3 billion of investment in renewable energy, as well as working closely with the mining and agriculture sectors. In his career David has managed every aspect of economic development, from planning large scale industrial estates to building business incubators/accelerators to accommodate small and micro businesses, as well as working with the peak bodies that represent the agribusiness sector.

Mr Keenan also secured more than $10 million in funding for the Mount Isa City Council  from the Queensland and Australian Governments for various projects including roads, water infrastructure and community infrastructure, as well as completing the  Central Business District Masterplan, Mount Isa Library Master Plan, detailed design for the Outback at Isa tourism facility and funding for the establishment of Country University Campus

David also has experience in successfully attracting large scale footloose industries (Darwalla, Watco, Stone and Wood), as well as supporting existing local businesses to expand. To assist with expansion, David worked proactively with businesses to secure grants, as well as simplifying town planning processes and red tape. For example, at Southern Downs Regional Council David created a partnership with John Dee Food Processing to finalise a funding application, which secured $22 million of funding and 250 jobs, as well as funding automation in the workplace.

“I am excited by the opportunities presented by the Scenic Rim and am looking forward to working with the Council team to ensure a sustainable future for the region as it increasingly realises its social and economic potential,” he said.

“Throughout my career I have been committed to delivering organisational success and creating sustainable economic, cultural and environmental outcomes for communities by bringing out the best in those around me  and focussing on effective communication with the community.”

Mr Keenan’s qualifications include a Master of Business Management; Post Graduate Diplomas in Town Planning and Environment, Management and Government Business and Environmental Science; a Bachelor of Arts and a Diploma of Secondary Education.  David has also completed the Australian Institute of Company Director’s course.

An AFL Masters player and keen Park Run participant and volunteer, David enjoys spending quality time with his family and keeping fit.

A past Vice President of the Queensland Local Government Managers Association, he has served on numerous boards and committees and was the inaugural chairman of Economic Development Australia.

“I am committed to driving improved performance through the organisational values of integrity, teamwork, respect and customer service that are already embraced by Scenic Rim Regional Council,” Mr Keenan said.

I will miss the staff that I worked with at Mount Isa City Council, but I look forward to engaging with the staff at Scenic Rim Regional Council to achieve the vision and outcomes as detailed by the Mayor and Councillors.

Mayor Greg Christensen said that Council is excited to welcome Mr Keenan to the region, and is optimistic that David's extensive experience will influence continued sustainable growth for the region.

"David is a well-respected and experienced administrator who has proven success in driving prosperity across many councils," he said.

"We believe that David will deliver positive results for Council, our workforce, and most importantly, our community."

Mr Keenan will commence his appointment with Scenic Rim Regional Council on Monday 28 November 2022.