OverviewElite Executive is partnering with Burke Shire Council to recruit a transformational Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the organisation through a critical period of community recovery, infrastructure delivery, and regional growth.
This role has an annual budget of $188 million for 2025–26 and offers a unique opportunity in a remote setting.About Burke ShireBurke Shire is one of the most remote local government areas in Australia, located in the southern Gulf of Carpentaria and covering over 40,000 square kilometres.
With a resident population of around 600, the Council delivers a broad range of services including civil infrastructure, utilities, governance, and community support.
Following the 2023–24 floods, Burke Shire now manages the largest flood recovery budget in the Gulf region, focusing on infrastructure resilience, economic diversification, and sustainable service delivery.
The organisation employs approximately 50 staff, with six direct reports to the CEO, and recently adopted a Corporate Plan 2025–2030.
Project Management and Finance staff are based in Cairns.About the RoleElite Executive is recruiting a transformational CEO to lead the organisation through recovery, infrastructure delivery, and regional growth.
This is a high-impact leadership role reporting to the Mayor and Council.Key ResponsibilitiesOversee implementation of Council's long-term strategic objectives.Lead the management and delivery of multi-million dollar flood recovery and capital works.Foster a high-performance culture within a multidisciplinary team.Engage with all levels of government, industry partners, Traditional Owners, and the wider community.Represent Burke Shire Council with visibility, integrity, and authenticity.About youWe are seeking a broad-minded, commercially savvy, and community-focused leader who can confidently manage large-scale infrastructure projects, motivate a diverse team, and position Burke Shire for long-term sustainability.Strategic thinking with the ability to deliver practical outcomes.Strong governance, risk, and financial management capabilities.Demonstrated leadership in complex, highly regulated environments.Political acumen and ability to build high-level partnerships across government and industry.Respect for Indigenous culture and experience working with First Nations stakeholders.Collaborative, visible, and empathetic leadership style.Local Government experience is highly regarded, but not essential.
We welcome applications from executives in infrastructure, utilities, public sector, regional development, or similar complex environments.BenefitsBased in Burketown, you will lead a supportive team, shape a resilient remote community, and gain national exposure in a high-impact leadership role.
An attractive salary package is offered, including accommodation, car allowance, relocation support, and access to excellent medical facilities within a supportive Council.How to applyElite Executive is managing the search on behalf of Burke Shire Council.
Apply via the link to receive a candidate information pack or call 07 4088 1571 for a confidential discussion.
Closing date for applications is 1700hrs Friday 17 October 2025.
Elite Executive reserves the right to conclude this process before the scheduled closing date.
All communication with Elite Executive is confidential.
Only applicants with the right to work in Australia will be considered.Notes: This description does not include salary insights or unrelated applicant questions.
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