Lake Macquarie City Council has appointed David Hughes as its new Chief Executive Officer following a nationwide recruitment process. David, who has served as the council’s Director Built and Natural Assets since 2018, will formally succeed interim CEO Tony Farrell on 10 August 2026.
During his eight-year tenure with the executive team, David managed a $4.1 billion built asset portfolio and directed a $110 million capital works programme. His background includes initial trade training as an electrical fitter mechanic, followed by a Bachelor of Engineering and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Wollongong, alongside senior leadership roles in the private sector.
Lake Macquarie Mayor, Adam Shultz said the council resolved that David’s executive experience positions him to manage the city’s infrastructure and economic requirements over the next four years.
“David has a proven track record of success as Council’s Director Built and Natural Assets and in an acting role as Deputy CEO. Prior to that, he was a similarly successful executive in the private sector,” Adam said.
“Time and again, he has shown himself to be highly capable, confident and compassionate. He shares our vision for Lake Macquarie City and has a leadership style that aligns with our values.”
David’s strategic priorities for the city include service optimization, housing development, and attracting commercial investment to the local government area.
“I’m excited and honoured to be given the opportunity to lead Lake Macquarie City Council,” David said.
“We are here for the community, so our focus will be on providing effective and efficient services while we work to attract housing growth and business investment.”
David described his operational framework as structured around internal workforce development and process efficiency.
“My stewardship will be guided by simple principles,” he said.
“The community always comes first, we must build capability by growing leaders from within and we must relentlessly pursue a safer, better, faster and more affordable way of working.”
Mayor Shultz acknowledged the contribution of outgoing interim CEO Tony Farrell, who assumed leadership responsibilities following the departure of Morven Cameron in September 2025. Tony will maintain operational control of the council until David concludes a planned period of leave in August.
“Tony has been a stalwart at Council for many years,” Adam said.
“He shifted seamlessly from being Deputy CEO into the main job, keeping the organisation and our city moving ahead through a very challenging period. I want to thank Tony for his time and his tireless commitment to our city.”
IMAGE | Lake Macquarie City Council appoints internal executive David Hughes as new CEO
