Mr Crosdale started his career in local government after finishing high school and previously fulfilled the role of Section Manager Strategy and Environment at Port Stephens Council from June 2014 to November 2015. He returns after over two years as Group Manager at Umwelt Australia, a national environmental and social consultancy business.

Mr Crosdale holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Newcastle, and a Bachelor of Natural Resources and Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning from University of New England. He is also a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Council's General Manager Wayne Wallis said the appointment was a key addition to the existing Executive Team.

"Tim comes to us with a strong reputation and extensive experience, knowledge and ability as a leader in the highly contested Development Services space and his appointment is a key one for us when it comes to ensuring we have the right leadership, culture and technical expertise in the role.

"I am extremely confident that he will provide excellent leadership to Port Stephens Council generally and, in particular, the Development Services Group, and will be a great addition to our leadership team," Mr Wallis said.

Mr Crosdale said the organisational culture at Port Stephens Council was second to none.

"The way Council provides its staff with incredible opportunities to develop personally and professionally is something that resonates strongly

"I thoroughly enjoyed my time representing Port Stephens Council at a senior level and I am excited to be part of the organisation at an executive level," he said.

"I think this is a time of enormous opportunity for both Development Services and Council, and I look forward to providing the leadership that will help us execute our community's vision in a collaborative and effective way" said Mr Crosdale.

Tim Crosdale joins the Executive Team alongside the General Manager, Group Manager Corporate Services, Carmel Foster and Group Manager Facilities and Services, Greg Kable. He officially commenced his new role today, Monday 23 April 2018.

His appointment follows the resignation of Mike McIntosh, who departed Council in February after accepting an executive leadership role at Mitchell Shire Council in Victoria, and Rob Noble, who has been performing the role in the interim.