That year the city was embroiled in its infamous sex-for-development scandal, and Mr Carfield was given the seemingly impossible task of continuing to encourage development in a city struggling with unemployment, at the same time as regaining the community's trust.

As he left his post as a council director this week, after 12 years heading up planning and infrastructure, he named the remarkable turnaround of the city - which has seen billions in investment despite tightened planning rules - as his proudest achievement.

"I think [it would be] just being part of the team here at the council that re-established credibility with our planning services and all our service areas post 2008," he said.

"That was a very challenging period and it leaves vivid memories in my mind.

"Now to see the way that the city centre has transformed, and is still transforming and seeing all the small bars and cafes, the more people that visit our city - that has been quite a proud achievement."

He also said being part of the planning for the fast-growing West Dapto urban development area was another high point of his career at Wollongong council, and he was proud to see the Karrara Bridge - which he began planning for in his early days as a council cadet 26 years ago - finally opened earlier this year.

Mr Carfield began his career at Wollongong council straight out of high school in 1994, and has spent the bulk of it since (apart from a stint at Sutherland council and one in New York working as a planning consultant) working at the council.

He left this week to "tackle new challenges" as the head of planning at Sutherland council.

"I'll miss working for the community here in Wollongong, I grew up here and my kids are growing up here as well, so I'll be very interested to see the things that are done by the council into the future," he said.

In particular, he said he was keen to witness the transition of Wollongong into a cycling mecca.

"We're early in our journey to become a cycling-friendly city - at the next council meeting there's the Cycling Strategy 2030 which is a significant milestone," he said.

"This is an exciting and significant change point in many ways for our city."

Wollongong council is currently recruiting to replace Mr Carfield - who was most recently the Director of Infrastructure and Works - offering a five-year performance-based contract, with a total pay package of about $275,000.