Interview with Scott Owen

In this insightful episode as we sit down with Scott Owen, CEO of Mackay Regional Council, at the Brisbane Showgrounds. Scott shares his journey from managing fleet assets to leading a regional council, highlighting the importance of asset management education for elected members and community engagement. Discover innovative strategies for fostering a unified organisational vocabulary, attracting and retaining talent through unique graduate programs, and enhancing collaboration between local governments. Scott’s practical advice on leadership, empowerment, and the future of local government will inspire you to think differently about public service and asset management. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from a forward-thinking leader dedicated to making a lasting impact in his community.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• Scott Owen’s presentation and panel participation at the Brisbane Showgrounds conference.
• Transitioning from fleet management to CEO of Macquarie Regional Council and broadening the asset management focus.
• Educating elected members on asset management and the value of council assets.
• Developing a shared vocabulary around asset management concepts such as depreciation and whole-of-life costing.
• Changing budget conversations to prioritize asset maintenance and renewal over new builds.
• Engaging the local community in understanding the complexities and costs of asset management.
• Strategic communications to educate residents on where their rates are spent and the long-term financial impacts.
• Addressing capacity and capability challenges within local government, including innovative graduate programs and collaborations.
• Enhancing organizational culture through empowerment and delegation of decision-making authority.
• Scott Owen’s leadership journey, challenges as CEO, and strategies for taking elected members on the journey of change.

Back to Infrastructure Matters Podcasts