As the economic and industrial hub of North Queensland, Townsville is home to 200,000+ residents and covers nearly 4,000 sqkms. With a strong commercial platform built on mining, education, construction and defence, the region is also rapidly building a bright, future-focused economy based on renewable energy and emerging technologies. The Townsville region combines the resources and community infrastructure to rival any major capital city with a natural environment that includes the Great Barrier Reef, stunning tropical rainforests and pristine island settings.
City of Townsville is seeking an accomplished Chief Legal Officer to provide respected legal leadership at a pivotal point in the organisation's transformation. Reporting to the Director Business Services, the Chief Legal Officer is the principal legal adviser to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team and Councillors, providing strategic counsel on complex and high‑risk matters including governance, major projects, planning, procurement, contracts and statutory interpretation.
You will lead the organisation's Legal Services, Governance, Risk and Compliance, and Council Secretariat functions, strengthening governance maturity, uplifting legal literacy and embedding ethical and lawful decision‑making across one of Queensland's largest regional councils. The role also oversees litigation, dispute resolution and the effective use of external legal providers, while guiding Council through significant commercial and infrastructure initiatives.
This role requires a senior legal leader with the credibility and judgement to influence at the highest levels, bring clarity to legal risk, and confidently navigate complexity in a public sector environment. Experience in local government is preferred or within large, multidisciplinary or government organisations, coupled with a strong commercial and governance lens, will be essential.
To be successful you will be a senior legal practitioner admitted in Queensland with a current practising certificate and possess demonstrated experience advising executives and governing bodies on complex legal matters. Additionally, you have proven leadership capability, with the gravitas to influence, challenge constructively and build trust along with strong understanding of governance, risk, compliance and major project environments.
This is a rare opportunity to shape the legal and governance framework of a growing regional city and leave a lasting legacy of integrity, confidence and organisational excellence. This momentum of success is led by a vibrant new mayor and high calibre executive leadership team
BEFORE APPLYING download a comprehensive information pack, go to and search under J8646. For a confidential discussion, call Julie Barr on
Applications close, 2 March 2026