Council appoints new Director Planning Growth and Sustainability

Cairns Regional Council has appointed Dr Mark Davey as its new Director Planning Growth and Sustainability, bringing a wealth of international urban planning expertise to the role.

Mr Davey currently serves as Director, Urban and Spatial Planning (Chief Planner) at Hamilton City Council in New Zealand – the country’s fourth largest and fastest-growing city.

In addition to his executive leadership role, Mr Davey is a member of the New Zealand Government’s Fast-track Advisory Panel, a select six-member group that reports directly to Cabinet on nationally significant projects recommended for accelerated development.

Council CEO Ken Gouldthorp said Mr Davey’s extensive expertise in urban design, spatial and infrastructure planning, and policy development would be instrumental in shaping Cairns’ future growth.

“Currently heading up a team of 25 planners for Hamilton City Council, which services a population of more than 190,000 residents, Mark has a track record for sound leadership and the skills to facilitate appropriate and well-grounded development for a large regional city like Cairns," Mr Gouldthorp said.

During his tenure with Hamilton City Council, Mr Davey has led a number of major initiatives, including:

• Development and implementation of a city-wide housing intensification policy, including inclusionary zoning to increase affordable housing and stronger urban design controls
• Formulation of a city expansion strategy to attract new industrial investment
• Oversight of 10-year strategic work programs and budget setting
• Implementation of a suite of climate-responsive planning policies, targeting water conservation, improved urban amenity, and water quality enhancement

Mr Davey is expected to commence in the role in November 2025.