BALONNE APPOINTS INTERIM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Published on 20 July 2026

Following the resignation of the current Chief Executive Officer, Michelle Clarke on 18 June 2026, Council has now appointed an Interim Chief Executive Officer with years of experience as a Council CEO.

Mr David Burges will take up the role of Interim Chief Executive Officer of Council on 4 August 2026, to allow for an adequate handover period with Michelle before her departure on 7 August 2026.

Mr Burges has over 28 years experience in senior management roles for regional Councils, including as a former Chief Executive Officer for Quilpie Shire Council and Southern Downs Regional Council.

Council will be undertaking an extensive executive recruitment process to secure a suitable candidate for the Chief Executive Officer role.

Mayor Samantha O’Toole welcomed the appointment of David Burges as the Interim Chief Executive Officer to run Council while the executive recruitment process is underway.

“Mr Burges has over 28 years experience in senior management roles for regional Councils, including as the former Chief Executive Officer for Quilpie Shire Council and Southern Downs Regional Council,” said Mayor O’Toole.

“As a Council, we have every confidence in Mr Burges’ capacity to manage our Council’s operations as the Interim Chief Executive Officer, while the executive recruitment process is being finalised.

Mr Burges said he is excited to be taking on the role of Interim Chief Executive Officer at Balonne Shire Council.

“Local government has been such a huge part of my life for decades now, and I really do enjoy working within communities and addressing the different challenges Councils face every day in delivering services for their region,” said Mr Burges.

“Over the years, I have heard of and seen a lot of the advances Balonne Shire Council has been making with the delivery of services to its residents and I am looking forward to playing a role in supporting the Mayor, Councillors and Council team throughout this period.

“I would like to assure residents that my primary focus as the Interim Chief Executive Officer will be to ensure the day-to-day operations of Council continue business-as-usual while the transition occurs to a new permanent CEO.”