: News Article

New CEO for NQ Water

01/11/2001

An accountant and former Queensland Champion boxer will head up one of the twin cities’ most important utilities.

The Board of NQ Water has announced 37-year-old Ken Diehm as its new Chief Executive Officer.

NQ Water is the bulk water supplier to Townsville and Thuringowa and is responsible for managing $200 million worth of assets, including the Ross River and Paluma Dams, head works and the Douglas water treatment plant.

Mr Diehm is a native of Townsville and worked in local government for 16 years. He is a specialist in National Competition Policy reform and commercialisation of government business activities.

Mr Diehm’s local government experience was the decisive factor in his appointment, said Chairman of NQ Water Ian Hamilton.

"We needed the right person in the job to instigate a number of changes that were at the same time technical, structural and managerial," Mr Hamilton said.

"Firstly, there is the on-going National Competition Policy reform agenda. The Board wanted someone with Ken’s abilities to address the complicated financial issues.

"Also, NQ Water has had a change of status and now comes under the Local Government Act. Ken has significant experience in local government and the board felt he was the best person to guide NQ Water through its next stage of development."

It was especially satisfying to come into the position as NQ Water was being transferred back into community ownership, Mr Diehm said

"Townsville and Thuringowa City Council’s bulk water supply and treatment facilities were compulsorily acquired by the State Government in 1987, a decision which was strongly opposed at the time" he said.

" The return of those assets is significant as it recognizes the communities’ ownership and control of the Board through the two Councils.

"It also ensures that the accountability and integrity of management will conform to the rigorous standards required by community-owned entities."

"The Act also requires us to review operations to ensure they are consistent with community expectations and strategic requirements. We’ll be doing that to ensure both greater operating efficiency and the integrity of the water supply."

Mr Diehm was awarded the ‘Best Junior Boxer in Queensland’ title at 16 and later fought Lester Ellis at the Australian Titles, before going down on a split points-decision. Ellis went on to become world champion in the mid-80s.

Attention Chief of Staff: Ian and Ken will be available for comment at 2:00 pm today (Wednesday 31 Oct) at the offices of NQ Water at 150 Walker Street. Ian Hamilton can be contacted on 0418 777 284. Ken can be contacted on 4726 0000.

More information:
Media Liaison Robert Dark
Mobile: 0417 623 156. – 31 Oct.

© 2004 NQ Water