General News
19 August, 2025
Kiwi planning director
A NEW planning director for Cairns Regional Council will start work in November just as the council starts focusing on the Mt Peter southern growth corridor which is critical for the region’s future housing needs.
Dr Mark Davey is the new planning growth and sustainability director, bringing a wealth of international urban planning expertise to the role. He replaces Ed Johnson who has taken up a similar role at Toowoomba Regional Council.
Mr Davey currently serves as urban and spatial planning director (chief planner) at Hamilton City Council in New Zealand – the country’s fourth largest and fastest-growing city.
Council chief executive officer Ken Gouldthorp said Mr Davey’s extensive expertise in urban design, spatial and infrastructure planning and policy development would be instrumental in shaping Cairns’ future growth.
“Mark impressed the selection panel with his deep, practical knowledge of regional and infrastructure planning, and his demonstrated ability to align spatial and transport strategies,” he said.
