Senior Management
Executive Management Team
An able administration is needed to manage Yass Valley Council, an organisation employing over 150 staff and with an annual budget of $30 million. The focus of the management team is to ensure the continued delivery of excellent services and optimum infrastructure to residents and also visitors who come to Yass Valley for a taste of the region's best.
Yass Valley Council is managed by the Chief Executive Officer and three Directors.
Acting Chief Executive Officer
Julie Costa
Julie Costa joined Yass Valley Council on July 6 2020, bringing 25 years of planning experience to the table. Since graduating from the University of New England with a Bachelor or Urban and Regional Planning, Julie has held positions predominately in regional and rural councils throughout NSW.
Prior to joining Yass Valley Council, Julie served as the Manger of Planning and Environmental Services at Edward River Council in Deniliquin for eight years. During this time, she oversaw several high profile strategic planning projects, including the Deniliquin Public Space Strategy, Edward River Open Space Strategy, Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan and the Deniliquin Masterplan. These projects were used to successfully secure over $7 million in funding from the NSW and Australian Governments to deliver significant infrastructure projects across the local government area.
Julie has a strong understanding of the Local Government sector and has developed sound technical knowledge across strategic land use planning, development assessment, environmental services and compliance.
Julie was attracted to the Yass Valley’s enviable location and excited to provide leadership in a council that is undergoing significant urban growth and expansion. With a strong focus on ensuring Yass Valley realises the opportunities that come with its close proximity to Canberra, Julie is looking forward to implementing the Local Strategic Planning Statement and the Settlement Strategy. She is also keen to ensure effective and efficient delivery of services in the Yass Valley and to build upon community relationships to assist Council in the delivery of these services.
In her spare time, Julie loves gardening, listening to music and spending time with her family.
Phone: 6226 1477
Email: Council@yass.nsw.gov.au
Director Infrastructure & Assets
Nathan Cooke
Nathan Cooke is a dedicated professional with a strong background in engineering and facilities management. His career began at Yass Valley Council in 2001, where he started as a trainee engineer.
Over the years, Nathan took on various roles within Council, including survey and design officer, assistant development engineer and construction coordinator, gaining valuable experience and expertise in the field.
Nathan holds an Advanced Diploma of Civil and Environmental Engineering, a Bachelor of Engineering Technology, and a Diploma of Project Management, demonstrating his commitment to professional development and excellence in his field.
In 2008, Nathan moved to Queanbeyan Palerang Regional Council, where he served as the Manager of Transport & Facilities for fifteen years. During his time at Queanbeyan Palerang Regional Council, Nathan excelled in managing transport and facility operations, ensuring efficiency and compliance with regulations.
In 2023, Nathan returned to Yass Valley Council, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success in his field. He is committed to delivering high quality services and making a positive impact in the community.
Nathan sees Yass Valley Council’s biggest strengths as its location, our community and staff. He believes that these strengths are key to Council’s success and its ability to service the community effectively.
Nathan’s main focus over the coming years will be improving Council’s assets, assisting with the delivery of Council’s infrastructure projects and improving services to the Yass Valley community.
In his personal life, Nathan enjoys travel, sports and spending time with his family. These hobbies reflect his active lifestyle and commitment to work-life balance.
Phone: 6226 1477
Email: Council@yass.nsw.gov.au
Acting Director Planning and Environment
Kate Baker
Kate Baker is the Acting Director of Planning and Environment at Yass Valley Council, bringing a wealth of experience and local knowledge gained through her dedicated career within the organisation.
Kate began her journey at Yass Valley Council in 2008 as a Trainee Development Planner, where she built a solid foundation in planning and development assessment. Her passion for creating sustainable and community-focused outcomes saw her progress to Manager of Development Control, a role in which she successfully led teams, streamlined processes, and contributed to key development projects across the region.
Kate holds a Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning, which underpins her knowledge and commitment to excellence in the planning field. This academic foundation, combined with her practical experience, has shaped her ability to deliver strategic and innovative planning solutions.
Now, as Acting Director of Planning and Environment, Kate oversees the strategic delivery of planning, recreational and environmental initiatives that balance growth, sustainability, and community needs. She is particularly passionate about mentoring and supporting future professionals, helping to foster the next generation and giving back to Yass Valley Council, which she credits with providing her valuable opportunities throughout her career.
Kate is proud to call Yass home and sees the Council’s greatest strengths as its dedicated staff, supportive community, and the region’s rich heritage and natural beauty. She is committed to ensuring these strengths are reflected in every aspect of her work.
Outside of her professional life, Kate is passionate about health and fitness and enjoys spending quality time with her family, reflecting her commitment to a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
Phone: 6226 1477
Email: council@yass.nsw.gov.au
Director Corporate and Community
Peta Gardiner
Peta Gardiner brings over 20 years of expertise in business operations, corporate services, project management and human resources to Yass Valley Council. Peta holds a Masters of Business Management from the University of Canberra, and has help with transformational change in businesses across the tertiary education, non-for-profit and local government sectors.
Prior to joining Yass Valley Council, Peta acted as a Senior Advisor for employment relations at the Australian National University, overseeing compliance, employment regulations and change management. She brings with her strong experience in improving workplace processes, enjoying the challenges of coaching and supporting mangers to enhance organisation outcomes.
During her time as a Manager at Upper Lachlan Shire Council, Peta gained a deep understanding of the local government sector together with the challenges and opportunities for those working in local councils. With a Bachelors of Commerce under her belt and as a Qualified Investigator, she has taken lead roles in delivering organisational change and improving workplace culture by guiding people, and leveraging the latest processes and technology.
Peta believes that her expertise with building business-enabling areas of an organisations is going to be instrumental in leading Yass Valley Council’s plans for the future. She passionate about ensuring the best outcomes for the community. Her main focus for the next few years is to lead Council’s community engagement strategies, connect with the community, and build strong relationships with businesses, community groups and the people of Yass Valley.
In her spare time, Peta can be found at the gym, on the touch footy field or the netball courts. She looks forward to connecting with people of the Yass Valley.