The Queensland Government has accepted a recommendation from the independent board of Economic Development Queensland to appoint Mr Julian Simmonds as Acting CEO, commencing 22 April.
Mr Simmonds brings extensive experience across planning, development and local government, which was acknowledged by his appointment to the South Bank Corporation board under the former Labor government.
This experience will be critical in guiding Economic Development Queensland to help deliver the Queensland Government's Securing our Housing Foundations Plan, and shift the EDQ's focus to delivering homes in Priority Development Areas to tackle Queensland's Housing Crisis.
The Economic Development Queensland Board will now commence a national executive recruitment process for a permanent CEO.
As stated by Economic Development Queensland Chair Brendan O'Farrell:
The Economic Development Board is delighted to have someone of Julian Simmonds' calibre join Economic Development Queensland.
Julian's leadership and expertise across government and planning will be instrumental, as we deliver on our strategic priorities and drive transformative development to support the Queensland Government's goal of delivering one million new homes by 2044.
Under Julian's guidance, EDQ will strengthen its position as a trusted partner for the private sector, government, and communities, as well as a provider of service excellence that is collaborative, responsive and agile.
