New Director Planning Growth and Sustainability

Cairns Regional Council has appointed Doug Scott as its new Director Planning, Growth and Sustainability, bringing more than 15 years of local government experience across Australia and New Zealand.

Experienced local government leader joins Council

Mr Scott joins Council from Rockhampton Regional Council, where he has held the role of Manager Planning and Regulatory Services since 2019, overseeing development assessment, development engineering, building and plumbing certification, environmental health, local laws and compliance.

During his time at Rockhampton, Mr Scott played a key role in major growth and development initiatives, including the Central Queensland University Priority Development Area. He led the Council team responsible for the planning and engineering framework that enabled a major master-planned community of more than 2,000 homes, supporting housing supply, economic investment and long-term regional growth.

Appointment strengthens Council's executive leadership team

Cairns Regional Council Chief Executive Officer Ken Gouldthorp welcomed the appointment.

"Doug brings a strong combination of planning, infrastructure and regulatory experience at a time when Cairns is managing significant growth and investment across the region," Mr Gouldthorp said.

"His experience delivering planning reforms to support housing diversity and growth around key infrastructure corridors aligns closely with the work Council is progressing through the Mount Peter Priority Development Area and other strategic growth initiatives.

"He also has an understanding of the critical role major infrastructure plays in supporting growing communities, having worked alongside significant infrastructure projects.

"We are pleased to welcome Doug back to Cairns and look forward to the contribution he will make in this key leadership role."

A return to Cairns for new director

The appointment also marks a return to Cairns for Mr Scott, who was previously based in the city during his 15-year career with the Royal Australian Navy.

"Cairns is a region with enormous opportunity, and I'm excited to be returning to a community I know and value," Mr Scott said.

"I look forward to working with Council, industry and the community to help plan for the future and support sustainable growth across the region."

Mr Scott will commence with Cairns Regional Council on 8 December 2026.