Nick Wellwood has been welcomed as the new Southern Downs Regional Council director of infrastructure services following an extensive nation-wide recruitment search.
With more than 30 years’ experience in both the private and public sectors, Nick is a highly respected professional in the civil engineering industry and is set to make a valuable contribution to council’s executive leadership team.
Since 2018, Nick has served as the director of infrastructure, planning and environmental services at Burdekin Shire Council, where he managed over 180 staff and oversaw a $150 million capital infrastructure program during this time. He is now eager to bring his expertise to the Southern Downs.
Council’s acting CEO Stephen Johnston welcomed Nick’s appointment, noting that his extensive experience would greatly benefit the region and drive its prosperity.
“We reviewed several highly qualified candidates and Nick stood out as an exceptional fit to the role and to our organisation,” Mr Johnston said.
“Nick’s extensive asset and project management experience in the strategic management and delivery of capital programs, combined with his leadership and negotiation skills, make him an outstanding addition to our team.
“He has a solid understanding of the machinery of government and the interface between government legislation, policies and operations, and his proven track record in infrastructure services makes him an excellent fit for our council.”
“With Nick joining our executive leadership team, we now have a complete leadership team on deck, and I am eager to collaborate with Nick and the other directors to maintain and enhance the quality of services we provide to our communities.
Nick said he looks forward to the challenges and opportunities of the role and to calling Southern Downs home after years of visiting the region with his wife.
“I am keen to bring my expertise to Southern Downs Regional Council and to leverage my skills and experience to help the community grow,” Mr Wellwood said.
“With my diverse local government and private sector experience, I am confident I can make positive and value-adding contributions to key projects and outcomes for the region including the Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline.
“I will also actively seek additional infrastructure funding opportunities to enhance projects and programs that benefit the community.
“On a personal note, my wife and I have travelled extensively across the Southern Downs over the years and have always enjoyed the region’s warm country charm and lifestyle. We now both look forward to calling the Southern Downs home and being part of the proud community.”
Nick’s extensive experience in local government also extends to senior positions at Noosa and Douglas Shires.
