The peak body representing Queensland councils has bid farewell to its chief executive officer.

After 29 years in the role, Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) CEO Greg Hallam has worked with six Queensland premiers and 13 local government ministers as well as countless MPs, mayors, councillors and council CEOs.

His departure has been marked by the association and its members at the LGAQ’s 125th Annual Conference in Mackay.

LGAQ President and Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said Greg was rightly regarded as one of Australia’s most influential and authoritative local government leaders.

“He has led local government administrations, served natural disaster recovery efforts and supported the community in a number of capacities throughout Queensland,” Cr Jamieson said.

“A relentless and tireless advocate and ambassador for local government, he has personally travelled to every corner - and visited every council - in our great State.

“Greg has ensured that even in Queensland’s darkest days, the voice of local government is strongly and effectively represented.

“For his extensive years and areas of service, Greg has justifiably received significant national recognition.

“In 2000, he was awarded the Public Service Medal for his contribution to local government and then the Centenary Medal in 2001. 

“In 2005, Greg received the Olympic Council’s Merit Award which was personally presented to him by the then IOC President, Jacques Rogge. 

“In the same year, he was awarded Road Australia’s John Shaw Medal – the only local government employee to receive the honour in its 40-plus year history.

“In 2012, Greg followed this up with the National Emergency Medal for his round-the-clock work in Queensland’s natural disaster response the year before.

“In 2018, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for services to local government administration, natural disaster recovery efforts and to people with disabilities for his coaching work with wheelchair athletes.

“Greg embodies what local government is all about.

“On behalf of the LGAQ’s 77 member councils and the Association’s staff, I want to thank Greg for his service and wish him well in retirement.”