Date: 18th August 2026

Western Downs Regional Council has appointed Joshua Hannan as its new Chief Executive Officer, following a national recruitment process.

Mr Hannan is currently Deputy Director-General, Local Government within the Queensland Government, and was appointed Acting Director-General of the Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers in 2025. Before that, he spent almost nine years as General Manager, Transport Strategy and Planning with the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, bringing more than a decade of senior executive experience across local government, transport, infrastructure, water, planning and regional development.

Mayor Cr Andrew Smith said Mr Hannan offered the strategic leadership and government experience needed to lead Council through its next phase of growth, and welcomed him as “an outstanding appointment for the Western Downs” with the right cultural fit for the organisation.

Mr Hannan said he was honoured by the appointment and looked forward to working with councillors, staff and the community, describing the Western Downs as one of Queensland’s most economically important regions.

Mr Hannan will commence in the role on 15 October 2026.