Long-time Lane Cove Council General Manager Craig Wrightson Resigns

Lane Cove Council has announced the resignation of its General Manager, Craig Wrightson, following more than 20 years with the council.

Craig, who first joined the council in the Corporate Services department, has served as General Manager for 12.5 years and has overseen significant projects in Lane Cove.

Infrastructure and Community Projects

During his tenure as General Manager, the Lane Cove Council has delivered numerous infrastructure and community projects, including the transformation of the rundown Rosenthal Avenue Car Park into The Canopy, the development of Wadanggari Park above the St Leonards railway line, and significant improvements to sports facilities at Blackman Park.

Craig was also involved in the redevelopment of the Lane Cove Aquatic Centre. When the Lane Cove 50m Outdoor Pool closed on 17 December 2018 due to urgent safety concerns, he delivered the new 50m outdoor pool and grandstand. Read more here.

Lane Cove is often called “Leafy Lane Cove” due to the bush management efforts of the Lane Cove Council and local organisations like the Lane Cove Bushland and Conservation Society.  As General Manager, Craig liaised with local bushland groups and resident associations about the need to preserve Lane Cove’s bushland.

Central to Craig’s tenure has been his focus on the overall “look and feel” of Lane Cove. This includes actively supporting the expansion of music, cultural, and neighborhood events, resulting in enjoyable events for the community, such as the popular Food & Wine by the River and regular concerts at The Canopy.

Craig established Lane Cove Council’s Sustainability Division.  In December 2024, the Lane Cove Council received three awards at the LGNSW Excellence in Environment Awards, including the Local Sustainability Award.

Lane Cove Council won the category for the Towards Net Zero Emissions Award for its programs aimed at reducing emissions, the Innovation in Planning Policies and Decision Making Award for its sustainability review of its Development Control Plan and was named the overall winner of the Local Sustainability Award for its commitment to sustainability and a sustainable future for the community.

“During his time at the Council, Mr. Wrightson worked with Councillors and the community to deliver award-winning projects and a robust capital works program,” said Lane Cove Mayor Councillor Merri Southwood.

“His leadership focused on developing infrastructure to keep pace with population growth, including active transport links, recreation facilities, early childhood education centres, and cultural amenities.”

“Craig has been a highly respected and popular leader among staff. One of Craig’s legacies will be a dedicated team of purpose-driven staff who will continue to advance sustainability, foster community connections, and provide outstanding service in Lane Cove,” said Mayor Southwood.

“On behalf of the entire organization, I extend our sincere gratitude to Craig for his commitment to Lane Cove and wish him all the best in his future endeavors. He will leave behind a strong Council team that embraces an exciting vision for the future, along with the drive and expertise to implement it.” said Mayor Southwood.

Craig has also contributed to the broader local government sector through various leadership roles, including Chair of the General Manager’s Advisory Committee for the Northern Sydney Region of Councils.

Craig’s tenure faced challenges, including pressure from the NSW Liberal Government to merge with neighbouring local councils. He also led the council during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that residents received the necessary resources while managing staff working from home.

During COVID-19, The Lane Cove Council developed a QR Code before the NSW government introduced the QR code systems – read our article here.

Spotlight on Local Council General Manager’s Remuneration

Craig’s resignation comes at a time when there is increasing scrutiny of council executive salaries and a broader discussion about fixed-term appointments for general managers.

Executive council salaries have been further under the microscope after Northern Beaches Council and North Sydney Council resolved to increase their rates.

The 2023/2024 Lane Cove Council Annual Report disclosed that his salary package was $461,332.

In 2021 the Office of Local Government released a consultation paper called Review of General Manager and Senior Staff Remuneration.  The OLG asked for stakeholders to submit comments; the submissions closed in August 2021, and no further action has been taken.

At the time the consultation report was released, the then  Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock commented:

“The comprehensive consultation paper examines general manager salaries to address community concerns they are too high with a large disparity across the state, an increasing gap compared to salaries of other workers, and financial pressures facing some NSW councils,” Mrs Hancock said.

“Currently, individual councils determine the remuneration package whilst independent arbitrators set the remuneration of NSW senior public servants, ministers and members of parliament, as well as mayors and councillors.

“Therefore, the NSW Government is strongly considering mandating that salaries of general managers are set by an independent body, not by elected councillors.” Mrs Hancock commented.

Mrs Hancock also noted that the consultation paper showed that the general manager’s annual salaries varied from $143,270 to $633,852.

“These managers should receive remuneration not only in line with their duties, skills and experience but in accordance with community expectations,” Mrs Hancock said.

The report set out the remuneration for each general manager, and Craig Wrightson was listed in 2019/2020 as the highest-paid General Manager for a Metropolitan Small Council.

General Manager’s Fixed-Term Contract Renewed in 2024

The Local Government Act (section 338) requires general managers to be employed under fixed-term, performance-based contracts for one to five years, based on the standard contract for general managers.  Before the contract term expires, a General Manager must advise their council whether or not they wish to be reappointed as General Manager.

In February 2020, councillors resolved to offer Craig a new five-year fixed-term contract (which would mean the contract term would expire sometime in 2025).  However, in July 2024, councillors resolved to provide Craig with a new fixed-term 5-year contract starting on 18 August 2024.

The Local Government elections were held in September 2024. New councillors were sworn in on 10 October 2024, and a new Mayor and Deputy Mayor were appointed.

Craig’s letter of resignation was dated 6 February 2025.  It was discussed at an Extraordinary Council Meeting on 12 February 2025 – link to the minutes here.

Acting GM

Craig will leave Lane Cove Council on 4 April 2025. The Director of Corporate Services, Steven Kludass, will serve as acting General Manager while Lane Cove Council begins the recruitment process for a permanent replacement.

“On behalf of the entire organization, I extend our sincere gratitude to Craig for his commitment to Lane Cove and wish him all the best for his next undertaking,” said Mayor Southwood.

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