Lane Cove welcomes new General Manager

Published on 10 June 2025

Lane Cove Council has announced the appointment of experienced local government professional Louise Kerr as its new General Manager.

With 30 years of experience in the local government sector, serving in senior leadership roles at City of Sydney, City of Parramatta, and Northern Beaches Council, Ms Kerr brings an exceptionally strong skillset to Lane Cove to manage the many challenges and opportunities that the sector and Lane Cove Council will face into the future.

Ms Kerr brings a wealth of experience to Lane Cove across a wide range of services including urban planning, development assessment, economic development, regulation, project delivery, and strategic financial management. She holds a Bachelor of Town Planning (Honours) Degree.

Ms Kerr is leaving the role of Director Planning and Place at Northern Beaches Council where she also served as Interim Chief Executive Officer in 2023.

Ms Kerr said she was thrilled to be joining the team at Lane Cove Council, and working collaboratively with the Mayor, Councillors, staff and serving the Lane Cove community.

“This is a great opportunity to continue building on the organisation’s solid foundations and creating an even stronger future for Lane Cove.

I look forward to working with staff in delivering efficient, cost-effective services to the community, where an exceptional customer experience is provided; backed by an effective, transparent, responsive and financially sustainable organisation

It is a privilege to be joining Lane Cove Council at this important time,” Ms Kerr said.

While it was a highly competitive field, Mayor Merri Southwood said Council was united in their selection of the preferred candidate at an Extraordinary Council meeting on 2 June 2025

“It is clear that Ms Kerr has a deep understanding of local government and we are excited to have someone of this calibre coming on board to lead our organisation. I look forward to working with Ms Kerr as we embark on the next chapter for Lane Cove”.

Ms Kerr will commence in the role on 21 July 2025 under a 5-year contract.

In the interim Mr Steven Kludass will continue as Acting General Manager, a role the Mayor thanks him for undertaking during the recruitment process.

“Lane Cove Council is forever grateful for the dedication, leadership and ongoing support Mr Kludass has shown during the interim period. Staff have continued to deliver quality services and programs, a credit to Mr Kludass’ leadership in recent months” the Mayor said.

MEDIA CONTACT: comms@lanecove.nsw.gov.au