Townsville City Council Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Townsville City Council has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, administrative coordination, marketing, legal compliance, governance, and regional representation.

Committed to regional prosperity, Townsville City Council drives sustainable urban development and essential public services across Northern Australia to enhance the quality of life for all residents.

Leadership Roles at Townsville City Council

  • Chief Executive Officer - Joe McCabe
  • Chief Financial Officer - Christopher Watts
  • President - Luke Calleja
  • Chief of Staff - Bede Harding
  • Crew Leader Chief Marketing Officer - Mark Blenheim
  • Chief Legal Officer - Emma Micola Von Furstenrecht
  • Chief Legal Officer, At Townsville City Council (Including Governance & Risk) - David Sewell
  • Joe McCabe - Chief Executive Officer

    Joe McCabe, the Chief Executive Officer at Townsville City Council, directs the overarching strategic vision for the largest city in Northern Australia. McCabe manages the delivery of essential municipal services, including waste management and water supply, while ensuring alignment with long-term community development goals. By coordinating across diverse departments, the Chief Executive Officer optimizes operational efficiency to support local businesses and residents. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the council to implement policies that foster economic growth and environmental sustainability. Through rigorous oversight of public resources, Joe McCabe maintains the fiscal and operational integrity of the organization. The Chief Executive Officer also champions community partnerships that expand the reach of council facilities like libraries and parks. Ultimately, McCabe secures the future of the region by balancing immediate service demands with the broader requirements of a growing, vibrant urban population.
    Joe McCabe

    Christopher Watts - Chief Financial Officer

    Christopher Watts, the Chief Financial Officer at Townsville City Council, manages the fiscal health and budgetary frameworks necessary for Northern Australia's largest municipal governing body. Watts oversees the allocation of funds across essential services, including water supply and waste management, ensuring that every dollar supports sustainable community development. By directing financial planning and reporting, the Chief Financial Officer maintains transparency and accountability for all public expenditures. This role involves close collaboration with the executive team to prioritize capital investments in parks, libraries, and recreational venues. Christopher Watts monitors economic trends to safeguard the council against financial volatility while maximizing the impact of grants and community partnerships. Through precise fiscal management, the Chief Financial Officer enables the organization to deliver high-quality services to residents and visitors alike. Ultimately, Watts ensures the long-term economic stability required for the continued growth of the city.

    Luke Calleja - President

    Luke Calleja, the President at Townsville City Council, represents the governing body for the largest city in Northern Australia, providing leadership on regional policy and community advocacy. Calleja manages the council's interactions with external stakeholders, including state government agencies and regional business leaders, to drive economic growth and environmental sustainability. By presiding over council sessions, the President ensures that the needs of residents and visitors remain at the forefront of all decision-making regarding waste management, water supply, and public facilities. This role involves championing community partnerships and securing the resources necessary for the development of parks and libraries. Luke Calleja aligns the council's strategic direction with the evolving requirements of the local population. Through active representation, the President fosters a collaborative environment that supports the long-term prosperity of the region. Ultimately, Calleja serves as the primary voice for the council, ensuring that the organization remains responsive to the community.

    Bede Harding - Chief of Staff

    Bede Harding, the Chief of Staff at Townsville City Council, coordinates the administrative operations and strategic initiatives that define the governing body for Northern Australia. Harding manages the flow of information between the executive leadership and the various departments responsible for waste management, water supply, and community facilities. By streamlining internal processes, the Chief of Staff ensures that the council remains agile in addressing the needs of local residents and businesses. This role involves facilitating high-level meetings and tracking the progress of key projects related to environmental sustainability and economic growth. Bede Harding supports the executive team by aligning daily activities with the broader mission of the organization. Through effective communication and organizational oversight, the Chief of Staff drives the successful execution of council policies. Ultimately, Harding maintains the operational rhythm necessary for the council to provide consistent, high-quality support to the entire community.

    Mark Blenheim - Crew Leader Chief Marketing Officer

    Mark Blenheim, the Crew Leader Chief Marketing Officer at Townsville City Council, directs the public engagement and communication strategies for the largest city in Northern Australia. Blenheim manages the promotion of council-led initiatives, including community development programs, library services, and recreational venue usage. By crafting messaging that resonates with residents, businesses, and visitors, the Crew Leader Chief Marketing Officer enhances the visibility of essential services like waste management and water supply. This role involves leveraging digital and traditional channels to foster community partnerships and encourage participation in local grants. Mark Blenheim ensures that the council's commitment to environmental sustainability and economic growth remains central to the public narrative. Through targeted outreach, the Crew Leader Chief Marketing Officer builds trust and awareness across the region. Ultimately, Blenheim strengthens the connection between the governing body and the diverse population it serves, ensuring that every citizen remains informed and engaged.
    Emma Micola Von Furstenrecht, the Chief Legal Officer at Townsville City Council, provides the regulatory framework and legal guidance necessary for the governing body of Northern Australia's largest city. Von Furstenrecht manages all legal affairs, including contract negotiations for waste management and water supply services, ensuring full compliance with state and federal mandates. By advising the executive team on policy development, the Chief Legal Officer protects the council from liability while supporting initiatives for community development and economic growth. This role involves drafting agreements for community partnerships and overseeing the legal aspects of grant administration. Emma Micola Von Furstenrecht maintains the highest standards of integrity in all council operations, from the management of public parks to the delivery of library services. Through proactive legal strategy, the Chief Legal Officer enables the organization to pursue its mission without unnecessary disruption. Ultimately, Von Furstenrecht secures the legal foundation for the city's ongoing progress.
    David Sewell, the Chief Legal Officer, At Townsville City Council (Including Governance & Risk) at Townsville City Council, architects the risk management and governance protocols for the governing body of Northern Australia's largest city. Sewell manages the internal audit processes and compliance frameworks that safeguard the delivery of essential services like water supply and waste management. By identifying potential operational risks, the Chief Legal Officer, At Townsville City Council (Including Governance & Risk) ensures that all community development projects adhere to strict regulatory standards. This role involves overseeing the ethical conduct of council operations and maintaining transparency in the administration of public grants. David Sewell collaborates with other executives to integrate risk mitigation into the broader strategy for economic growth and environmental sustainability. Through rigorous governance, the Chief Legal Officer, At Townsville City Council (Including Governance & Risk) protects the reputation and assets of the council. Ultimately, Sewell ensures that all municipal activities remain secure and accountable.
    David Sewell

    Explore Leadership Teams in Government

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Townsville City Council Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Townsville City Council?
    Townsville City Council is led by Joe McCabe (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Christopher Watts (Chief Financial Officer) and Luke Calleja (President).
    Who is part of Townsville City Council’s executive team?
    The executive team of Townsville City Council includes leaders such as Joe McCabe (Chief Executive Officer), Christopher Watts (Chief Financial Officer), Luke Calleja (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Townsville City Council have?
    Townsville City Council has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Townsville City Council’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Townsville City Council includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, Chief of Staff, Crew Leader Chief Marketing Officer.