Executive Staff

Mark Watt - Chief Executive Officer

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) ensures information flows to and from Council, ensuring that Council's strategic directions are understood and implemented. 

Mark commenced duties with Paroo Shire Council on 1 July 2008 having moved from a position as CEO of Kolan Shire Council, Gin Gin. Paroo Shire is the sixth Council Mark has worked for, having over 18 years experience in Local Government plus four years in the private sector.

In 2008 Kolan Shire was amalgamated as part of the Queensland Government boundary reform so the CEO position was made redundant. Having worked previously in rural and remote locations such as Flinders Shire, Hughenden and Longreach Shire, Mark felt the opportunities and challenges at Paroo would be more attractive than remaining in a large amalgamated regional council.

Whilst at Paroo, Mark hopes to focus on ensuring long-term financial viability, improved delivery of service and recruitment and retention of quality staff. Mark has connections to Cunnamulla whereby he attended the Sacred Heart School in Grades 1 & 2 in 1971/72, whilst his father was the Manager of Primaries (Primac/Elders).

Neil Mitchell - Director of Governance

The Director of Governance maintains focused on the proper management of the financial systems and governance processes.

Neil is married to Leanne and they have seven children. Neil initially trained for the pastorate, receiving a Graduate of Theology from Sydney Bible Baptist College. Later he earned his Bachelor of Accounting (Accounting and Economics Majors) from the University of South Austalia. Before working for Local Governent, Neil spent over 10 years in public accounting. For most of those years he was Audit Manager/ Senior responsible for audits of small clubs and associations, trust accounts (Real Estate Agents, Solicitors and Accountants), medium-sized incorporated associations (eg Bowls clubs, disability services), an RSL Club, Local Governments and BSA reviews - as well as assisting with individual and corporate taxation work. It was during this time that Neil increased his knowledge of Microsoft Excel, eventually becoming a certified specialist in this program. In 2006 Neil worked as the Management Accountant for Maryborough City Council before taking up the Deputy CEO position here at Paroo Shire Council.