The council's commercial services manager Jeff Smith resigned from his position in the executive team to pursue a career in the private sector. He first stepped into the Port Stephens building in May 2004 with the aim of developing a long-term strategic direction for the council's financial sustainability and to also grow its alternate revenue streams. On Friday, January 27 Mr Smith finished his time content with the work he had performed.

"There is always more that can be done but I think we have come a long way over the last five years," he said.

On the top list of his achievements was securing the land sale that saw Sandvik relocate it headquarters to Heatherbrae and his involvement in the progress of the corporate restructure of Newcastle Airport. The council's general manager Peter Gesling said while Mr Smith's resignation was disappointing he had still been a "fantastic asset".

"Jeff has also been leading council's approach to closing our underlying deficit over the next two to three years. Thankfully, the strategies he has put in place have us on track to achieve this," he said. Port Stephens Council will take the opportunity to examine its structure before making a decision on a replacement.