Michael Stretton to leave the City of Launceston next year

Published on 01 November 2023

The City of Launceston's Chief Executive Officer Michael Stretton has announced his resignation.

Mr Stretton will leave the organisation next January, after more than six years in the role, and will take on the position of CEO at the City of Hobart.

Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said Mr Stretton had made an invaluable contribution to both the Council and the Launceston community.

"Michael has been an extremely committed, highly capable and accomplished Chief Executive," Mayor Garwood said.

"The City of Launceston is extremely grateful for the leadership and strategic focus he's brought to the operational arm of our organisation over the past six years.

"Michael has been instrumental in guiding our Council through challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, establishing strategic future directions plans for UTAS Stadium and the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, and building a supportive and collaborative organisational culture.

"In Michael's time with the City of Launceston, we've delivered major new community assets like Riverbend Park and the C.H. Smith Centre, collaborated on the most successful City Deal in the nation, seen the establishment of the Tamar Estuary Management Taskforce, redeveloped Civic Square and the Brisbane St Mall, and much more.

"While I'm sad that Michael is leaving, I know he will continue to utilise his expertise and experience in local government at the City of Hobart and I wish him the best for the future."

Mr Stretton began his career in local government in 1995 with the Sorell Council, followed by a five-year stint at the Glenorchy Council and nine years at the Central Coast Council. 

He first came to the City of Launceston in 2012 as Director Development Services. 

In 2014, he relocated to the North-West Coast, taking up the role of General Manager at Waratah-Wynyard Council.

In October 2017 he returned to the City of Launceston as General Manager, with the position title later changing to Chief Executive Officer.

Mr Stretton said it was bittersweet to be leaving the City of Launceston.

"I'm excited to be taking on a new challenge at the City of Hobart and getting to meet a new team of people in the State's capital," Mr Stretton said.

"However, the City of Launceston has been a wonderful place to work. It has been a career highlight to work alongside such dedicated staff and Councillors, and with so many Launceston residents who are passionate about their city.

"I'm very grateful to the Councillors and staff at the City of Launceston for their support over the past six years, and it's a bittersweet feeling to be leaving.

"There is still much to achieve before I leave the organisation next January, so it will be business as usual until then."