David Hughes has commenced a four-year term as Chief Executive Officer of Lake Macquarie City Council, following his promotion from Director of Built and Natural Assets. David assumed executive duties on Monday 10 August 2026, taking over leadership responsibilities from Tony Farrell, who returns to his role as Deputy Chief Executive Officer after serving as interim CEO since September 2025.
David’s initial focus centers on maintaining organisational financial sustainability, aligning municipal services with community expectations ahead of 2030 targets and accelerating regional economic diversification. Key strategic priorities include creating replacement employment pathways as traditional coal mining and power generation sectors transition across the Lake Macquarie Local Government Area.
Chief Executive Officer of Lake Macquarie City Council, David Hughes stated that navigating economic shifts and maintaining fiscal discipline will guide council operations.
“My first order of business will be to ensure there is a smooth transition in the CEO role from Tony, who has done a fantastic job,” David said.
“Then it will be a question of understanding the collective priorities and opportunities across our organisation and ensuring we’re in the best position to capitalise and deliver on those for the Lake Macquarie community. We’re now less than four years away from 2030, and we need to ensure our assets, our services and our organisation are fit for the future.
“We are in a solid financial position, but we need to be across external opportunities and risks to maintain that position. Looking at our city and its economic future, we need to continue diversifying beyond our current economic drivers of coal mining and power generation. These industries have provided generations of our residents with highly skilled and highly paid careers, but as they transition, we need to attract other industries that can capitalise on our high-skills base and provide new jobs and career paths.”
Mayor of Lake Macquarie, Adam Shultz added that David’s existing operational experience within the council supports executive continuity during a period of regional growth.
“It’s fantastic to have a new CEO who is already so familiar not only with our organisation, but with our city and where it is headed,” Adam said.
“I know we both have the city’s best interests at heart, and I’m looking forward to working with David as we continue delivering the projects and services our community expects. David brings a strong mix of strategic leadership, operational experience and local knowledge to the role, and I’m confident he will help guide Lake Macquarie through a period of significant growth and change.”
David brings extensive executive experience across public and private sector roles in the region, focusing on asset management, infrastructure development and organisational governance.
IMAGE | David Hughes commences four-year term as Lake Macquarie City Council Chief Executive Officer
