ELECTION: ON THE FRONT-LINE

Question Of The Week:

Please share with us one personal experience during your campaign trail so far that has really reinforced the reason you are running.

Pierina Dalle Cort

Mayoral Candidate

Another day, another frustrated rate payer. There is a lack of urgency and efficiency in addressing issues. Surveyors, planners, and their clients are frustrated with the system. I keep hearing it is just too hard to do business with Burdekin Shire Council. Ratepayers have had to endure unnecessary costs. What is council’s legal bill in the last 12 months? Economic development is crucial to Burdekin’s survival. This is the Burdekin, a rural community not Brisbane City Council.

Lyn McLaughlin

Mayoral Candidate

I began my campaign by travelling across our Shire and visiting key projects delivered in the current term of Council. This was a fantastic way of reminding myself that I am a representative for every resident in every township and community, and to see firsthand the difference Council has made across our region. It was also a great opportunity to meet with residents, discuss what they love about our Shire, and areas they believe should be focused on moving forward.

Michael Backo

Councillor Candidate

During the campaign I have attended Community Forums and one message that I had received and have taken on board is that the community feels like they aren't being heard. The reason why I am running is because I want to be a voice for our community. I want to engage with the community and hear their ideas and concerns and vote for what the community wants. I want to be a voice for the community.

Amanda Hall

Councillor Candidate

In the weeks since announcing my candidacy for Councillor with Burdekin Shire Council, I have had nothing but positive feedback. The recent candidate forums held at the Kalamia Hotel in Ayr and at the Home Hill Community Sports Club were particularly informative as candidates had a chance to address the community and answer questions. Speaking with people, it is clear they are looking for strong voices and a change within Council and I believe I can deliver both.

Michael Fraser

Councillor Candidate

Attending and sitting in on the past two council meetings, has allowed me to better understand what being a ‘councillor’ means. If elected I would be eager to be part of a progressive team and help to achieve goals. Since deciding to nominate I have received a lot of support from family and friends, which gives me confidence that I would be able to carry out the role as councillor with the Burdekin’s best interest at heart. 

Warren Francis

Councillor Candidate

I am pleasantly surprised at the depth of interest the community has in bettering the Burdekin. I see this in their questions and ideas for improvements into our future. I am excited about representing such an enthusiastic group of people with my energy and knowledge from working with the Burdekin Shire Council and the State Emergency Service. We can achieve so much by working together cooperatively towards common goals to sustain and develop the Burdekin’s future.

ELECTION: ON THE FRONT-LINE

Question Of The Week:

Please share with us one personal experience during your campaign trail so far that has really reinforced the reason you are running?

Mark Haynes

Councillor Candidate

I have been overwhelmed by the support given to me by the people of the Burdekin. When I secured the Containers for Change depot for the Burdekin the residents showed that they are keen to support new ventures. Setting this up under the NQ Green Solutions social enterprise model was a great outcome for the Burdekin community as this scheme helps with the cost of living and increased employment opportunities. I’m looking forward to exploring many more opportunities and bringing the voice of the residents to Council.

Max Musumeci

Councillor Candidate

The majority of the people I speak to are happy with what’s been done in my last four years as councillor. One particular experience, however, was a particular conversation I had with a rate payer who I have not been able to help. Hearing him saying he wanted me to return was somewhat surprising and exactly what I needed to hear at that point. He understood that if there was any way I could help him, I would. It was the positive reinforcement that I needed.

Michael Detenon

Councillor Candidate

The Campaign trail so far has reinforced my decision to run as I see how passionate other people are about our great Burdekin Shire. As a proud born and bred local myself it is great to see so many other people, whether they have moved to town or been here all their life, show such interest in the future of all our towns and I like the idea of continuing to be able to put forward the community’s ideas to both grow and improve our region. 

Delfine Vasta

Councillor Candidate

Since starting on my Campaign trail, I was a little nervous about the whole venture but I have been so overwhelmed by the support and guidance I have received from the community; it has reinforced that the reason I am running for Councillor is for the Community and to be their voice in Council. At the end of the day, it is the Burdekin residents who will be electing the next six Councillors and Mayor so our job is to do what is right for them.  

John Furnell

Councillor Candidate

 There has been a multitude of experiences that have inspired me to run for a second term. It’s helping that one person with their individual concern. It’s positive projects completed eg water park, projects underway eg macro algae, industrial estate and new ones to begin eg water filtration plant. My father served in the air force in Townsville so it will be great to see Charlies Hill progressed. The Burdekin has achieved a lot, there is a ‘never end’ to being a continually improving community.

 Scott Worlein

Councillor Candidate

I have had a lot of people ask why I don’t have signs up like most other candidates. The signs seem like a good idea, but I want people to vote for me because they know what I have done for the community for many years now. I’m a person of action, getting things done to keep our community safe and doing good for our community. One of the reasons why I’m running is because I want to help my community.

Callan Oar

Councillor Candidate

Since nominating, I have had many people come up to congratulate me. Nearly all these people have in some way exclaimed that “we need change”. This election, change will be inevitable as three existing councillors have not nominated for re-election. I know that I can bring positive change to council. I am not just another yes-man, but can and will work with whoever I need to, to make the best decisions for the whole Burdekin Shire.

Jayson O’Keeffe

Councillor Candidate

Something I’ve noticed in the last few weeks is when people have raised concerns over issues they have, there might not have been any feedback given to the person that has raised that issue. I would like to find out if the person hasn’t followed through or if it simply wasn’t resolved and a response wasn’t given.

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