Organisational Structure

Matthew Magin is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Burdekin Shire Council and was appointed to this role in September 2024. Matthew has returned to Burdekin as a successful former CEO from 2014-2016 before he relocated to Balonne Shire Council where he was CEO between 2016 and 2024.

Matthew’s background is predominantly in the economic development area having spent time as the CEO of a business-based organisation entrusted with the responsibility for economic development over a region comprising 8 local authorities. He then moved into a similar role with the state government covering the same geographic area.

Matthew’s strength lies in his commitment to good customer service which was drummed into him through his formative years in the retail sector. Good customer service is the cornerstone of any business no matter what the sector, product, or service you are delivering to your customers. Matthew has also spent time in federal politics as well as having owned and operated his own small businesses in partnership with his wife.

It is Matthew’s very diverse vocational background and life experience which makes him an ideal person to serve as the CEO of Burdekin Shire Council.

Kim Olsen is the Director of Corporate and Community Services at Burdekin Shire Council and was appointed to this role in October 2024. Kim Olsen brings a wealth of experience, having served over 35 years in local government, including her previous role as Manager Financial and Administrative Services at Burdekin Shire Council. Born and raised in Ayr, Kim is deeply connected to the Burdekin region and has built a solid reputation for her strategic leadership.

Throughout her career, Kim has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to maintaining Council’s financial sustainability while ensuring the community’s needs are effectively met. Kim has dealt with many financial, community and political challenges and is held in high regard for her approach in dealing with sensitive matters. Her proven track record in both operational and strategic leadership has equipped her with the skills to guide Council going forward. In her new role, Kim is poised to drive forward key initiatives that will enhance and strengthen not only Council as an organisation but the entire community.

As the Director of Corporate and Community Services, Kim is responsbile for managing and providing strategic direction to a number of areas including:

• Corporate Governance;
• Client Services;
• Community Services; and
• Financial and Administrative Services.

James Stewart is the newly appointed Director of Infrastructure, Planning and Environmental Services and is due to commence in November 2024. James grew up in Ayr before studying Civil Engineering at James Cook University. He has over 20 years of experience as a civil engineer and in executive leadership, James brings a wealth of expertise in delivering essential infrastructure projects across North Queensland.

His career highlights include managing in excess of $100M of flood damage restoration projects for the Hinchinbrook region, as well as overseeing the construction and modernization of water and sewerage treatment plants in Bowen, Proserpine and Cannonvale, worth over $100 million. One of his key projects was the Dutton Street Bridge in Ingham, which resolved longstanding flooding issues and improved emergency access for the Ingham community.

James has a proven track record of working closely with local communities to ensure that projects not only meet technical standards but also enhance liveability and sustainability. Passionate about improving public infrastructure, James combines his technical know-how with a down-to-earth approach, aiming to create resilient, efficient systems that serve both residents and businesses.

James is excited to return to his hometown, bringing his experience and leadership to the Burdekin Shire to help further develop and future-proof the region's vital services.

As the Director of Infrastructure, Planning and Environmental Services, James is responsbile for managing and providing strategic direction to a number of areas including:

• Environmental and Health Services;
• Operations;
• Planning and Development; and
• Technical Services.