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Denise Galle has been appointed to head Tweed Shire Council’s Planning and Regulation unit at a critical time for the growing region.
Ms Galle was appointed to the role following a competitive recruitment process conducted by an external agency, with the selection panel including a representative from the NSW Department of Planning.
She replaces long-standing director Vince Connell, who recently stood down from the role after 15 years at the helm to take up a position in the private sector.
The role is a key member of Council’s Executive Leadership team, working with General Manager Troy Green and three other directors.
Born in the Tweed before moving to the Central Coast as a child, Ms Galle undertook her studies at the University of New England in Armidale. She returned to the Tweed to undertake work experience as a young student at Tweed Shire Council. After graduating, she learned the ropes of town planning at a private planning firm in Sydney, Design Collaborative and in government, working in roles at Ballina Shire Council and Woollahra Municipal Council in Sydney.
Ms Galle returned to the Tweed in 2002 to take up a role as a junior town planner at Tweed Shire Council, working her way up through the ranks to the position of Manager Building and Environmental Health, where she has led a unit of more than 40 people since May 2020.
“I acknowledge the excellent technical experience of our existing planning staff and look forward to working with them towards strengthening Council’s relationship with the wider community,” Ms Galle said.
“This is a critical time in the development of the Tweed Shire and it is crucial we strike the right balance between managing unprecedented growth in the housing sector, ensuring we get the right mix of development including affordable housing, while maintaining positive outcomes for the environment we value so dearly.”
General Manager Troy Green congratulated Ms Galle on her appointment.
“I was really pleased with the field of candidates who applied for the position,” Mr Green said.
“Through a robust, four-stage process undertaken by an external Queensland-based recruitment firm, Denise stood out as the leading candidate. I would like to thank all of the candidates who put themselves forward and expressed interest in the role.
“I welcome Ms Galle to the role of Director of Planning and Regulation. This is a key position within our executive leadership team and one which is often under continuous pressure and conflict. Denise was able to demonstrate she would be able to work collaboratively with all parties to achieve positive planning and development outcomes in accordance with the NSW Environment Planning and Assessment Act, as well as other strategic and regulatory processes we work within, in addition to Council’s own policies and strategic documents."
Ms Galle will begin work in her new role on Monday 31 July.
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