The Burdekin community had one last chance to hear from mayoral and councillor candidates ahead of Saturday’s local government election at a Q&A forum hosted by Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR) last Wednesday, March 6.
Candidates took to the stage of the Burdekin Theatre auditorium where they were impeccably asked carefully considered questions relating both to the agricultural industries and good governance.
The evening took a “speed dating approach” where each candidate was given the opportunity to answer two questions that had been randomly allocated.
Topics covered throughout the evening included rates, services, council budget, use of employees versus consultants, vacant premises, renewable energy, government grants, cash reserves, conflicts of interest and sugarcane haulage.
Members of the audience, which was made up of QCAR members and members of the public, then had the opportunity to ask candidates their questions.
“Key messages were raised this evening, particularly by the producers regarding sugarcane haulage, which allowed the opportunity for the members to state what their underlying concerns are and where they believe council can play a role in remedying the impasse between various stakeholders within the sugarcane industry,” QCAR CEO Panikos Spyrou said.
“One of the councillor candidates made a particular suggestion tonight and I think we should take it on board and try and introduce council involvement in stakeholder engagement processes, particularly between miller and grower, and let’s get rid of the unnecessary dividing of industries with a view of restoring peace and harmony amongst all parties.”
Queenslanders will go to the polls this Saturday, March 16.
Caption 1: Back row: L-R Michael Detenon, Llewelyn Davies, Max Musumeci, Pierina Dalle Cort, Amanda Hall, Lyn McLaughlin and QCAR’s Michael Kern. Front row L-R: Callan Oar, Warren Francis, Mark Haynes, Delfine Vasta, John Furnell and Michael Fraser
Caption 2: QCAR Chief Strategy Officer and MC Michael Kern
Caption 3: Pierina Dalle Cort
Caption 4: Lyn McLaughlin
Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2023 Burdekin Life Pty Ltd.
