Mayor Bob Manning has announced that Peter Tabulo had been appointed to the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cairns Regional Council.

Cr Manning said Mr Tabulo’s extensive experience in local government and his knowledge of the operations of CRC were key in his selection for the role.

“The position of CEO is critical to the success of Council as an employer, a service provider and a strategic operator,” Cr Manning said.

“I’m confident that Peter possesses the qualities to fulfil this role to the highest standard, meeting the expectations of the elected Council and the broader community.”

Mr Tabulo, who has been acting in the role since June 2012 after taking over from Lyn Russell, joined Council in 2000 as General Manager Planning.

Having started his career as a planning consultant in Far North Queensland, Mr Tabulo has spent nearly 30 years in local government.

He had short stints with Mulgrave and Cairns Councils in the 1980s, before taking up the role of Deputy City Planner with Toowoomba City Council.

Mr Tabulo spent a further nine years with Caboolture Shire Council as Planning Manager before returning to the Far North to work with the then Cairns City Council.

Mr Tabulo said he looked forward to taking on the challenges associated with leading a large council.

“The past seven months have been rewarding and I welcome the opportunity to continue in this role,” Mr Tabulo said.

“Council is a large organisation, with 1400 employees who deliver more than 400 different services and functions. I value the dedication of our staff and the support that has been provided to me from our management team.

“Coming from a planning background, I look forward to meeting the challenges of providing for a growing population and the implementation of master plans that have been developed during the past few years.”

Cr Manning said Council had chosen to appoint Mr Tabulo without seeking external applications, as is permitted under the Local Government Act.

“It is very reassuring to be able to appoint a high-calibre person to the CEO position from within Council’s own ranks,” Cr Manning said.

“On behalf of Council, I now look forward to working with Peter and his management team in delivering improved facilities and services for the benefit of the community.”