City Management and Structure

The City of Cockburn oversees a range of functions and is structured across five directorates: 

1. Office of the CEO 
2. ​Planning and Sustainability 
3. Community and Place  
4. Corporate and System Services 
5. Infrastructure Services 

Office of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Daniel Simms, CEO

Daniel is a proud Western Australian born and bred in Perth. He is passionate about working in local government and believes that partnerships with community, stakeholders and other levels of government is what achieves results.
 
He has vast experience in local government having worked in both rural and regional Western Australia, including as CEO at the City of Wanneroo for two decades. Daniel enjoys the challenges of working to enable growth council areas to reach their potential and has a keen interest in planning.  He is Chairman of the Growth Alliance Perth and Peel Policy Forum.
 
Local government is the closest level of government to the community and Daniel is a strong advocate for the role local government plays to support the community and local businesses to thrive.
 
Daniel has strong experience and a keen interest in business investment and the local economy, which he says makes this a very exciting time to be in Cockburn. Cockburn provides around 30 per cent of the employment for the south-west area of Perth and is poised to become a major national and global centre especially for the shipbuilding and maritime defence industries.

Office of the CEO purpose

The purpose of the Office of the CEO is to lead the strategic direction of the organisation. The role of the CEO is to empower and support the Council and organisation to be the best they can be. This directorate covers the role of the CEO and executive-level support services, as well as People, Culture and Safety and Legal and Compliance. A primary function of this division is to ensure compliance with the Local Government Act and to manage organisational risk. 

Planning and Sustainability

Daniel Arndt, Director Planning and Sustainability

Dan Arndt has been a driving force in Cockburn’s planning and development for over 15 years. As the Director of Planning and Sustainability, he plays a key role in shaping the City’s future. With a career in local government spanning over three decades, Dan has a wealth of experience in managing urban growth and development. He has worked in several metropolitan councils, including Swan, Armadale, Mandurah, Fremantle, and Nedlands, gaining valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing our region.
 
Dan is passionate about creating sustainable communities and has been instrumental in developing Cockburn’s long-term plans. He is a Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia and has a strong understanding of urban planning principles.
 
As the Director of Planning and Sustainability, Dan oversees the City’s ongoing development, transportation planning, coastal and environmental initiatives, and its economic growth. He is committed to ensuring the City is the best place to live, work and invest.

Directorate Purpose

The purpose of the Planning and Sustainability directorates is to create the best place to be. This division is led by the Director of Planning and Sustainability and includes the business units and their service units: 

Community and Place

Kylie Johnson, Director Community and Place

As Director Community and Place, Kylie is proud to be part of the Cockburn team who have built such strong relationships across the community and have delivered outstanding services for a growing and changing City. With 20 years in Executive Leadership Team roles in local government, Kylie has a demonstrated commitment to achieving community outcomes and supporting organisational excellence.

Qualifications in Economics, Accounting, and Human Resource Management; along with completion of the Australian Institute of Company Director Course reflects a commitment to continuous learning and development. Working collaboratively with community and stakeholders to ensure Cockburn is the best place to be is a rewarding leadership role.

Directorate Purpose

The purpose of the Community and Place directorate is to engage and service the community. This division is led by the Director of Community and Place and includes five business units and their service units: 

This directorate oversees the different community, safety and recreation focused services offered to the wider community. These include services offered via Cockburn ARC, Port Coogee Marina, sporting clubs, libraries, community development, and rangers and safety patrols. It also undertakes Community Engagement and Advocacy on behalf of the City. 

Corporate and System Services

Carissa Bywater, Director Corporate and System Services

Carissa Bywater is a dedicated leader with extensive experience in local government organisations across New South Wales and Western Australia. She holds qualifications in accounting, CPA, and AICD certification, along with masters degrees’ in business administration and leadership, Carissa is committed to supporting the City of Cockburn’s values and delivering essential services to the community.

She is a lifelong learner passionate about enabling people to perform at their best, ensuring that both the City and residents thrive. It is a privilege for her to serve at the City of Cockburn and contribute to the Executive Leadership team and the City.

Directorate Purpose

The purpose of the Corporate and Systems Services division is to provide essential business services that enable the effective delivery of services, significantly contributing to the City’s goals and community aspirations. This division, comprising six business units, plays a vital role in supporting the City’s mission and enhancing the quality of life for our residents.  

The primary functions of this directorate are to responsibly manage the City’s finances and procurement, to maintain our social license to operate, to manage our communications, to provide quality customer service, as well as manage our business systems, information and technology needs.

Infrastructure Services

Anton Lees, Director Infrastructure Services

With a career spanning 25 years in local government, Anton Lees has cultivated a deep and diverse skill set, combining hands-on expertise with strategic leadership.

Anton holds formal qualifications in business management, accounting, and horticulture, reflecting a multifaceted professional background that bridges both technical and managerial domains. Anton has also gained valuable experience in the private sector, further broadening his perspective and enhancing his ability to drive innovative solutions.
 
This role demands not only operational excellence but also the ability to deliver sustainable outcomes that balance community needs with fiscal responsibility.
 
In addition, Anton serves as a Board Member at Cockburn Integrated Health, contributing strategic insights and governance expertise to support organisational growth and community-focused initiatives. 

Directorate Purpose

The purpose of Infrastructure Services is to maintain the community. This division led by the Director Infrastructure Services and includes three business units and their service units: 

The primary function of this division relates to the day-to-day and long-term maintenance of the City’s parks, natural reserves, roads, properties, and other assets; waste and recycling; and the delivery of capital projects e.g. new buildings.