Date: 15 July 2026

Mid Murray Council has appointed Dr Andrew Johnson as its next chief executive officer, succeeding Ben Scales.

Dr Johnson will start with the council on 10 August following what the council described as a comprehensive recruitment process, according to Murray Bridge News.

He brings experience as CEO of the Walkerville and Port Pirie councils, board roles with the Local Government Association of South Australia and other sector bodies, and a background in economics and accountancy.

“Mid Murray is a council with significant opportunities and a clear vision for the future,” Dr Johnson said. “I have been impressed by council’s commitment to improving its long-term financial sustainability while maintaining a strong focus on delivering outcomes for its communities.”

Mayor Simone Bailey said Dr Johnson had been the standout candidate.

“Andrew’s experience leading councils, combined with his strong financial background, advocacy experience and collaborative approach, gives council great confidence that he is the right person to lead the organisation into its next chapter,” Mayor Bailey said.

Dr Johnson’s appointment is the second by a Murraylands council in the space of a week, after Coorong Council appointed Scott Reardon as its new CEO last Friday.

It marks the first of two leadership changes expected in the Mid Murray district. Mayor Bailey has flagged plans to step down at the next council election, which was recently deferred to April 2027 under South Australia’s council election timing changes.

Mr Scales, who led Mid Murray Council prior to Dr Johnson’s appointment, left recently to become CEO of Foodbank SA and NT.