Our Senior Leadership Group

Chief Executive Officer

Michelle Clarke

Michelle officially took on the role of Chief Executive Officer on the 20th of December 2024.

Michelle has been with Council since October 2016 and is a well-respected member of our community, having held the position of Director of Finance & Corporate Services at Balonne Shire Council for the past eight years

Michelle holds a Bachelor of Law and Administration, Diploma in Local Government Financial Management, a Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting and completing a Post Graduate Certificate in Corporate Governance and Risk Management.

Acting Director Finance & Corporate Services

Tracey Lee

Tracey commenced the role of Acting Director Finance & Corporate Services on the 6th of January 2025.

Tracey has over 17 years’ Local Government experience specialising in Finance and previously held the role of Manager Finance Services with Balonne Shire Council for four and a half years finishing in December 2022. Tracey has continued to assist Council with the preparation of the annual general purpose financial statements through her consultancy business LG Finance Consultancy.

Tracey holds a Graduate Certificate in Finance, Diploma of Applied Business, and a Certificate III in Business (Office Administration).

Director Community & Environmental Services

Digby Whyte

Digby joined our team in September 2018 and has experience in the broad field of parks and recreation at the city, regional, state and international levels in New Zealand, the USA, Australia, and France.

He has dealt with services ranging from tourism and events, cultural heritage, infrastructure, education, biosecurity, and sheep and beef farming.

Director Infrastructure Services

Chris Whitaker

Chris joined our team in February 2023. He has over 16 years’ experience leading regional council infrastructure teams, including most recently with the Southern Downs Regional Council and the Banana Shire Council.

Chris holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering and has developed a key focus throughout his career on delivering road maintenance, road construction projects.