Lake Macquarie City Council has promoted its acting chief information officer, Joshua Crooks, to the permanent leadership position of chief technology officer.

In his new role, Crooks will lead the implementation of the council’s digital strategy and technology roadmap, with a focus on enhancing digital customer services and improving asset maintenance.

Crooks has led Lake Macquarie’s City Council’s tech function in an acting capacity since March 2024.

Speaking to iTnews, Crooks said the council is well-placed to “further invest in technology”, including in areas such as “streamlined digital customer services” and “enhanced asset maintenance”.

“I look forward to leveraging my diverse domain experience and passion for technology to ensure the council invests in technology solutions that deliver on our commitment to the Lake Macquarie community,” he said.

“Technology is at the centre of council operations, with every staff member depending on one or more systems to undertake their role.”

Lake Macquarie first began recruiting for a permanent CIO position in February.

The council, which is south of Newcastle, told iTnews that it had “transitioned” the leadership position to CTO as part of an “evolution” of its digital strategy and day-to-day IT operations.

Crooks “stood out as the candidate who best combined [its] digital goals with strong operational and technical credibility”, a council spokesperson added.