Mr Bell replaces the Central Coast Council’s CEO, Rob Noble, who officially steps down today.

In August, the Lakes Mail reported Mr Bell was on standby to become the council’s acting CEO should Mr Noble leave before the end of his contract on December 31.

Mr Noble is leaving after two years at the helm of Wyong Shire Council and Central Coast Council.

He will return to his business and home in Queensland.

“I stayed longer than I originally intended as I wanted to lead the new Central Coast Council through the amalgamation process and support administrator Ian Reynolds and our staff in creating a vibrant and sustainable Central Coast,” Mr Noble said.

“I am taking with me a lot of fond memories of the Central Coast. I have worked with some fabulous people and I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to work here.”

The amalgamation posed several challenges for council’s executive leadership team (ELT).

Those challenges came to a head when about 600 Central Coast Council employees who are members of the United Services Union (USU) passed a vote of no confidence in the council’s ELT on June 20.

The USU had been negotiating with council’s ELT on behalf of members who were employed by either the former Gosford or Wyong councils since the amalgamation of the two councils in May, 2016.

The USU said employees had become increasingly concerned about the lack of progress achieved in bringing employees across to the new council’s structure, and “salary harmonisation”.

Mr Reynolds had previously praised council’s ELT and Mr Noble’s record of achievement in challenging circumstances.

“Rob has done an amazing job and it is due to his hard work and leadership that this council has achieved as much as it has,” Mr Reynolds said.

He said appointing Mr Bell to the role was the right decision.

Mr Bell has extensive experience in local government, spanning 50 years, including 12 years as general manager of Lake Macquarie City Council.

Mr Bell said Mr Noble had helped to leave the Central Coast Council in good shape.

“Rob is leaving some very big shoes to fill,” Mr Bell said.

“He has led the transformation of two organisations into one Central Coast Council and has created a solid foundation for the newly elected council to build on.

“I am looking forward to the challenge of continuing to lead the organisation through this transition period to the elected council while continuing on the excellent course Rob has set for us.”

Mr Reynolds said Mr Noble led strongly, and would be missed.

“He is a transformational, charismatic leader and has left a great legacy and will be greatly missed by staff,” he said.

“He is without doubt one of the best CEOs I have encountered in all my years in government and I thoroughly enjoyed working with him.  

“Brian Bell is well equipped to continue and build on Rob’s work.  He lives here on the Coast and has led an award-winning council – Lake Macquarie Council – for a number of years.

“He has the runs on the board and the commitment to continue to make Central Coast Council the very best it can be.”

Mr Bell will preside over the extraordinary meeting on Monday, September 25, to elect the first mayor of Central Coast Council.