A Minute With the Mayoral Candidate Lyn McLaughlin

Tell us about yourself and what qualifies you for the role

I have held many roles in my time in the Burdekin: I am a wife, mother, primary school teacher, and proud member of many local sporting, school, church and community associations. Having served as a Councillor for six years, Mayor for 16 years, and as a Board representative on several regional and state bodies, I have a wealth of advocacy and leadership experience. I strongly believe the Burdekin is the best place to live, work, play, visit and invest.

If you could initiate a project or address one issue in the region, what would it be and how would you go about it?

Ensuring a focus on local government matters, not those managed at a state or federal level. Community resilience remains a key focus, not only in the face of weather events but industry, business and everyday life. Ensuring the Burdekin community has the support, knowledge and resources to flourish, while Council continues to advocate for support and funding from relevant bodies. Examples include the recent Emergency Action Guide (residents), partnership with Smart Hub Burdekin (business) and Pick the Burdekin campaign (industry).

What do you think people want now and how would you give it to them?

Modern local governments no longer only deliver roads, rubbish, water and wastewater: there is a growing focus on liveability, sustainability and community wellbeing. However, essential services and infrastructure will always remain my top priority. Society has an expectation of having everything provided for them, however it is important to ensure our region remains self-sufficient and progressive. I hope Council continues their community consultation sessions in townships, with action plans delivered for Giru, Alva, Rita Island/Jarvisfield and Millaroo/Dalbeg. 

Tell us what your first 100 days will look like if successful?

There will be some new faces in the next term of Council. When I first commenced as a Councillor, I had a lot of questions, so I have always facilitated an informal gathering of elected members once polls are declared. Prior to any formal meetings, Councillors will have the opportunity to meet each other and Council’s senior management, and begin asking questions. Then one of the first formal tasks will be to deliberate and deliver the 2024/25 Burdekin Shire Budget. 

How will you unite the community and ensure everyone is represented?

Council’s Economic Development and Community Development sections are in close consultation with the Chambers of Commerce and key industry, business and community groups. There are several Advisory Groups/Committees who provide feedback on Council decisions, ensuring a broad cross-section of our Shire have a say. People generally aren’t interested until there is an election or affects them personally so I want to emphasise if anyone does have questions or feedback, my door is always open and I happily meet with residents.

‍