Gold Coast City Council Chief Executive Officer Tim Baker has announced he will resign from his position at the end of December 2026, concluding five years leading Australia's second-largest local government.
Mr Baker informed Mayor Tom Tate and councillors that he would not seek a further term as CEO, saying the decision followed discussions with his family about their future and his ability to make the long-term commitment required for the role.
In a statement, Mr Baker said serving as Chief Executive Officer of the City of Gold Coast had been a privilege. He explained that after careful reflection, he concluded he would not be in a position to continue beyond his current tenure and wanted to provide the council with sufficient notice to prepare for new leadership.
Mayor Tom Tate thanked Mr Baker for his service, crediting him with leading the organisation through a period of significant growth and change. The mayor said the council strengthened its long-term financial sustainability, modernised its operating model, delivered major infrastructure and service improvements, and positioned the city to prepare for future growth and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Although Mr Baker will officially remain Chief Executive Officer until December, the council confirmed he will take leave following the next full council meeting. An acting CEO will be appointed while the recruitment process begins to identify his successor.
The resignation follows several months of public scrutiny surrounding Mr Baker's leadership. During the past year, councillors questioned significant overseas travel expenses, including international business trips funded by the council. Debate over executive management, organisational restructuring and governance issues also attracted public attention, although no wrongdoing by Mr Baker has been alleged.
Despite those challenges, supporters point to a number of achievements during his leadership, including improvements in financial management, organisational reform and delivery of infrastructure projects across the rapidly growing Gold Coast region. Council leaders said maintaining continuity during the leadership transition will be a priority to ensure services continue without disruption.
Mr Baker thanked council employees for their professionalism and dedication, saying his focus during the remainder of his tenure would be supporting council priorities and ensuring a smooth handover to the next Chief Executive Officer.
The City of Gold Coast will now begin a formal recruitment process to appoint a new CEO, with councillors expected to oversee the selection in the coming months. The successful candidate will inherit responsibility for one of Australia's largest councils as it continues planning for population growth, major infrastructure projects and preparations linked to Brisbane 2032.
