Lane Cove Council has announced the appointment of Louise Kerr as its new General Manager.
Ms Kerr has 30 years of experience in the local government sector. Ms Kerr is leaving the role of Director Planning and Place at Northern Beaches Council where she also served as Interim Chief Executive Officer in 2023.
The Northern Beaches Council made the following statements about Ms Kerr when she was appointed Interim CEO:
“Louise is an experienced local government senior executive and planner, with decades of service to the community. We are proud to announce her appointment as interim CEO and welcome her advice to the serving Council,” Mayor Regan said.
“Over the past four years working at Northern Beaches Council, Louise has demonstrated her strong leadership and communication skills, her drive and focus, and her dedication to serving the community.
“Louise has overseen the development and implementation of Council’s long term strategic policies and has been instrumental in driving performance improvements and efficiencies in Council services, enhancing customer experience, and has shown a true commitment to Council’s values,” he added.
Her prior work experience includes Executive Manager Development at City of Sydney. At the City of Sydney she oversaw 220 staff in the largest planning assessment and regulatory division in NSW . She was the Manager of Development and Traffic Services (including Regulatory Services Manager) at Parramatta City Council for six and a half years.
She has experience across a wide range of services, including urban planning, development assessment, economic development, regulation, project delivery, and strategic financial management.
She holds a Bachelor of Town Planning (Honours) Degree.
Ms Kerr said she was thrilled to be joining the team at Lane Cove Council, and working collaboratively with the Mayor, Councillors, staff and serving the Lane Cove community.
“This is a great opportunity to continue building on the organisation’s solid foundations and creating an even stronger future for Lane Cove.
I look forward to working with staff in delivering efficient, cost-effective services to the community, where an exceptional customer experience is provided; backed by an effective, transparent, responsive and financially sustainable organisation
While it was a highly competitive field, Mayor Merri Southwood said Council was united in their selection of the preferred candidate at an Extraordinary Council meeting on 2 June 2025
“It is clear that Ms Kerr has a deep understanding of local government and we are excited to have someone of this calibre coming on board to lead our organisation. I look forward to working with Ms Kerr as we embark on the next chapter for Lane Cove”.
Ms Kerr will commence in the role on 21 July 2025 under a 5-year contract.
In the interim Mr Steven Kludass will continue as Acting General Manager, a role the Mayor thanks him for undertaking during the recruitment process.
“Lane Cove Council is forever grateful for the dedication, leadership and ongoing support Mr Kludass has shown during the interim period. Staff have continued to deliver quality services and programs, a credit to Mr Kludass’ leadership in recent months” the Mayor said.
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