Bundaberg council candidate press releases, announcements 2024
As the 2024 council election draws near, candidates are revealing their top priority issues and things they want to change. Read all their press releases, announcements and updates here and vote in our poll:
Bundaberg
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As the 2024 Bundaberg council election campaign heats up, candidates reveal their top priority issues and the things they want to achieve or change if elected.
From mayoral candidates going head-to-head over housing and planning, incumbent councillors sharing the “unfinished” projects they want to see finished, and the new faces who want to bring about change, there are multiple voices coming forward.
More local council news:
Rents, parking, downsizing: Frightened owners struggle in languishing CBD
Bundaberg council candidates record thousands in campaign donations, gifts
Transparency hot-button issue in planning portfolio debate
The NewsMail has chosen to share these press releases in one place for those interested in hearing the candidates promises directly from the horse's mouth. Editing has been kept to an absolute minimum.
See all the press releases shared by council candidates here (this article will be updated as required):
Helen Blackburn, February 26, 2024
Plans to bring back kerbside collection for large household items
Helen Blackburn wants to bring back kerbside collection
Mayoral candidate Helen Blackburn said on Monday she would will work with fellow councillors to investigate a free council kerbside collection service if elected.
“When I announced my candidacy for mayor, I said that I would focus on service delivery for residents,” she said.
“That’s why I’m pleased to announce that if elected, I will work with the team of councillors to see if we can provide kerbside collection in the next term of government.”
“This would allow for the free collection of large unwanted household items to be picked up from right outside residents’ homes.
“Whether it’s white good, old bikes, curtains, carpet, mattresses and more, a council I lead will determine if the plan is feasible and work towards seeing it happen.
“This is part of my plan to refocus council on the basics.
“Roads, rates, and rubbish.”
Glenn Rumsey, the operator of local clean-up organisation, Burnett River Clean, welcomed the plan, saying it would be a massive help to stop illegal dumping.
“Currently, the council is not doing enough to stop illegal dumping which contaminates our river and waterways,” he said.
“A kerbside collection would encourage people to do the right thing.
“I can’t remember the last time we had a kerbside collection in Bundy, but it was certainly over a decade ago.
Helen’s plan has my full support.”
Jack Dempsey, February 26, 2024
Policies and advocacy to address housing crisis
The housing crisis
The housing crisis is the biggest problem facing Australia and all levels of government need to be involved with fixing it, mayoral candidate Jack Dempsey said on Monday.
“In looking at solutions, we must be mindful of not shifting costs from the state and federal governments to ratepayers. That’s why a coordinated state and national approach is required.
What (the incumbent council) has done:
“Approved a record number of residential dwellings for construction, joined with other local governments to call for a national housing summit, supported the Sleep Bus, gifted land to the state government for social housing, convened a regional housing summit, created a database of support services for people to access, working with other agencies, council has provided 76 units for vulnerable people across the region, gifted land to Forest View to use for people with high needs where there is no social housing available, reduced red tape and bureaucracy in processing planning and development applications.
“What we can do
“Continue to advocate for temporary accommodation and more social housing, assist with providing temporary accommodation as part of a coordinated state or national approach, investigate policies and guidelines that encourage small homes and mobile homes, provide more land to the State Government for social housing.
“I have empathy for calls that council should be providing campsites with amenities, or dongas, but this really has to be funded and coordinated at a state or national level.
“Local government can play a part, but any council acting in isolation will have to pick up costs for regulation, hygiene and security, etc.
“There’s also a risk it will draw people from other areas unless it’s part of a state or national approach.
“It breaks my heart when I meet working families and people with disabilities who can’t find somewhere to live.
“As a member of the Local Government Association of Queensland policy executive, we’ve been successful in lobbying the State Government for a housing package.
“I’ve spoken to the state member, who supports the Bundaberg Region getting its fair share. Through my role with the Australian Local Government Association, we’ve also had influence with the Federal Government in implementing initiatives to build more housing.”
Jack Dempsey, February 19, 2024
Advocacy for Regional University Study Hub
If re-elected Mayor, the Council I lead will investigate establishing a Regional University Study Hub in the Bundaberg Region.
Funded by the federal government, the concept helps students in regional areas access higher education without having to leave their community.
Education participation and completion rates continue to improve across the Bundaberg region.
Between 2016 and 2021, Year 12 and university completion rates increased by 3.8% and 1.9% respectively.
Council has worked closely with local high schools and the higher education sector to support education participation and completion.
Council-led initiatives like the Bundaberg Jobs Commitment are having a dramatic impact in engaging youth in further education or employment, while working with higher education providers is ensuring youth are exposed to increasingly greater vocational and university pathway opportunities.
Council has a close relationship with CQUniversity and now holds Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and the University of Queensland (UQ).
These relationships facilitate various student and industry engagement opportunities.
Tracy McPhee, February 16, 2024
Tracey McPhee running for Division 4 again
Owner and founder of award-winning café Alowishus Delicious and Bert’s Restaurant, Tracey McPhee is throwing her hat in the ring for Division 4 again at next month’s election.
Tracey was born in Bundaberg in 1974 and has never left.
She has chosen to live and work here, and is now raising her family here.
Tracey loves Bundy and truly champions the region.
She is extremely passionate about the local area and wants to continue making positive change.
Over the past 4 years Tracey says she has learned a wealth of information.
Not just about local government and state legislation but about herself as well.
“I want to see our community flourish into the future and I believe I can help make that happen,” she said.
“I made my decision to run again about 8 months ago and am very excited.
“However, I would be fibbing if I didn’t admit to feeling a little bit of trepidation.
“I have heard it said though, if your goals don’t excite and scare you at the same time, they aren’t very good goals”.
Over the past 4 years Tracey has regularly attended community meetings and consultations, visited and presented at many organisations and community groups.
She attends AGM’s, community events and regularly participates in the Bundaberg Jobs Commitment at all of the region’s high schools.
Tracey frequently attends meetings and events in Childers and Gin Gin as she feels it’s important to know and understand what is happening across the broader community. “Being out and about making yourself available to residents is really important, it’s the one of one chats that help you gain valuable insights,” she said.
Tracey is also an active committee member and volunteer with the Bundaberg Crime Stoppers Group and is Treasurer for the Safe Night Out Precinct.
Jack Dempsey, February 16, 2024
Coastal regions advocacy and Moore Park Beach Masterplan
Our coastal regions have grown rapidly over the past 20 years and it’s important that infrastructure and services keep pace.
If I’m re-elected Mayor, I’ll advocate to the State Government for:
- A high school to be established in Bargara
- Widening of main coastal roads and intersections
- Development of a bicycle path to connect our coastal communities
- Completion of the Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategies
I’ll also ensure the completion of the $12.9 million Moore Park Beach Masterplan.
I’ll work with my fellow Councillors to maximise state investment.
For too long, the state government has prioritised infrastructure in the southeast corner, and this has got to change.
I have the skills and experience to negotiate and achieve positive outcomes.
A rival candidate wants to reduce rates (despite zero increase this year) and “get back to basics”.
I’m concerned this is code to not invest in infrastructure.
Jack Dempsey, February 14, 2024
Advocacy statement
Being mayor means being a champion for the community to the state and federal governments, advocating for our region’s fair share.
These are some of the advocacy initiatives that I’ve outlined this week:
If-elected mayor, I’ll work with my fellow councillors and the state member to advocate for a permanent police and emergency services presence in Moore Park Beach.
It’s detrimental to community safety for this growing community to be served from Bundaberg.
There’s a 6000m² block on Murdoch Road that’s still owned by the state, and this would be a great option for a combined Police and Emergency Services Centre.
A council that I lead will work cooperatively with the state government to plan and build for current and future growth.
The railway between Bundaberg and Brisbane is a lifeline for thousands of people.
The “medical express” is the preferred transport for many who need to see specialists or undergo medical procedures in the capital, and their loved ones.
The current service is not meeting the needs or expectations of a growing community and this needs to change.
I’ll work with my fellow councillors and our local state member to advocate for the delivery of improved services and the upgrade of transport services both to the station, and on arrival in Brisbane.
We need improved train services and better reliability to enhance health, employment and tourism opportunities.
When I was advocating to state and federal governments for flood mitigation in Bundaberg, I called it a “promenade” instead of a “levee” because that’s what it will be.
If re-elected mayor, I’ll work with fellow councillors to influence the design phase to make sure we have a vibrant community space.
It won’t be a wall, it will be a trail for walking, cycling and enjoying views of the river.
It was a great achievement for our community that we were able to secure $174.7 million for flood mitigation and protection of more than 1600 local properties.
We also received peace of mind from hydrologists and flood mitigation experts that the levee will have no adverse impact on North Bundaberg residents.
As a former state MP and minister, I have the skills and experience to negotiate with other levels of government.
As a council team, we’ve already achieved results with flood mitigation and a commitment from the state government to build a new hospital.
By working together we can build Australia’s best regional community.
Helen Blackburn, February 12, 2024
Helen Blackburn announces plan to review council fees and charges
Candidate for mayor of the Bundaberg Region, Helen Blackburn, today announced that if elected, a future council team she leads will forensically analyse why fees and charges for council assets and services have risen well above CPI.
I’ve been meeting with and listening to community groups all over the region, and they’ve told me the current Council has stopped working for them.
They’ve said holding events is almost becoming cost prohibitive because of the exorbitant council fees council for venue hire.
Our council assets should be enjoyed by all members of the community – especially not-for-profit organisations.
Although in one of my meetings with a group, they have shown me their quotes for multiplex venue hire which has increased by 92% in three years.
We all understand there are inflationary pressures to deal with, but nothing can justify this blatant money grab – in this case an almost doubling of costs for Multiplex hire.
Community groups are the lifeblood of our region and their council should be working for them, not the other way around.
That’s why if elected mayor, I will work with the team of councillors to look at why fees are so high and if it’s possible to reduce them.
Paul Hudson, February 12, 2024
Candidate for Division 2
I’m Paul Hudson, Candidate for Division 2 in the upcoming 2024 local elections.
I am a firm advocate of ‘small government’. I strongly believe in minimising government interference, cutting down on unnecessary regulations, and reducing taxation, rates, and fees to the minimum that’s necessary for a thriving and healthy civil society.
The Bundaberg region has been my home for 27 years now.
We first arrived here and stayed in Woodgate in 1997.
I’ve also lived in Scotland, Iceland, Norway, France, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Islands. My work experience has been extensive in different industries.
I’ve done many things, from driving taxis to working as Systems Manager in the Offshore Oil Industry.
These varied experiences have equipped me with the skills and perspective needed to serve as your councillor.
It’s time for change. We can no longer afford to channel our resources into costly urban vanity projects.
We need to focus on practical and essential initiatives that truly benefit our community.
I am dedicated to ensuring that the non-urban divisions receive as fair a go as the urban divisions.
I fully support the reintroduction of the 10% early rates payment discount, and in addition, I would like to see a further significant reduction in rates.
High rates affect the cost of living for everybody, both homeowners and renters.
Residents should not bear the brunt of funding the Council’s seemingly boundless aspirations and unnecessary ‘empire building’.
It’s time for change, and it is up to you, the voter, to vote for that change.
Let’s build a future unburdened by excessive rates and unnecessary council expenses. Your vote matters.
Jack Dempsey, February 8, 2024
Bombshell revelation re mayoral candidate
The Bundaberg Regional Ratepayers Association has already been exposed as a pseudo-political organisation.
Now it’s been revealed by the Office of Fair Trading that mayoral candidate Helen Blackburn is still their president.
I’m calling on the candidate to come clean and explain.
How can she be trusted to lead a multimillion-dollar organisation when she can’t manage a community group within the law?
In the interest of openness and transparency, and as the current president of the BRRA, when will Ms Blackburn own up to how the
phone poll in July was paid for and how much it cost?
Helen Blackburn, February 6, 2024
Helen Blackburn announces 3-step plan to ease the housing crisis and help homeless locals
Candidate for mayor of the Bundaberg Region, Helen Blackburn, has today announced her three-step plan to build the housing stock our region needs, help homeless locals, and prevent Bundaberg from becoming a tent city.
As a community, our hearts break every time we see families living under bridges and campsites along the river due to a lack of housing supply in our region.
Many of these people have jobs and can afford to rent, but there is simply no availability. Something must be done.” Ms Blackburn said.
I’ve spent the last few months listening to locals and speaking with industry leaders about what they think the best way to help address homelessness is.
I am proud to announce my three-step plan to help solve the issue:
1. Reduce council fees to make it easier for builders and developers to construct the housing
supply we need.
2. Head up a multifaceted working group with local care organisations to find solutions together.
3. Incentivise the State Government to build more social housing by donating council-owned land.
My three-step plan will see the private sector work hand-in-glove with government to supply the housing we need in our region.
The cost of construction, materials, and labour has increased nationwide and unfortunately that’s having an impact on housing supply. If I’m elected mayor, I will put a proposal to council that application fees for new home and unit builds be halved.
The modest loss of revenue to council will be more than be made up by rates being paid at new dwellings, not to mention the jobs that will be supported during construction.
A council I lead will work alongside charities to explore all options to help those most in need, while they get back on their feet and into more permanent housing.
We will also look to expand the council land donated to the state government and advocate for more affordable housing in our region.
Also directly from Ms Blackburn’s press release: Local charity, Angels Community Group, applauded Helen Blackburn’s commitment to addressing homelessness in the Bundaberg Region stating “we recognise that tackling this complex issue requires a collective effort from local community groups, the private sector, and all levels of government.
“We are encouraged by the three-step plan, especially the focus on making it easier for developers to build housing, the establishment of a working group, and incentivising the State Government to build more social housing,” the release stated they stated.
“As an organisation dedicated to supporting the vulnerable in our community, we look forward to collaborating with leaders like Helen to make a positive impact and offer assistance to those in need.
“Together, we can work towards creating a more compassionate and supportive environment for everyone in our region.”
While no one can solve the homelessness and housing crisis completely, my plan will be a step in the right direction and will help ease the problem locally.
Helen Blackburn, February 2, 2024
Helen Blackburn submits nomination as candidate for mayor
Candidate for mayor of the Bundaberg Region, Helen Blackburn, has officially submitted her application with the Electoral Commission of Queensland.
Since announcing my candidacy back in September, I’ve heard from thousands of residents who I have doorknocked or met in the streets.
They’ve told me what local issues are important to them and that they are eager to see a brighter future for Bundaberg.
Taking on board the feedback from locals, my plan will focus on putting residents first and see a council I lead focus squarely on delivering services, without the expensive distractions.
My back-to-basics plan will identify and end wasteful council spending and restore common sense decision making. I will work to bring back the 10% early rates payment discount to help locals save money.
This will help ease the cost-of-living pressures we are all facing.”
I’ll be announcing another major policy next week, although I’m looking forward to continuing to travel across our beautiful region, hearing from and sharing my plan with locals.
Jack Dempsey, February 1, 2024
Statement by Jack Dempsey on Planning and Development
Planning and development are two of the most important areas in which local government operates and I’m proud of how this has worked smoothly under the current council.
In 2020, by majority consensus, we agreed to not have a planning committee or a portfolio councillor for these areas.
The results have been outstanding, with significant increases in both residential and commercial development approvals.
We wanted to reduce red tape, speed up decision-making, improve operational efficiencies, and get personalities away from decision-making processes.
Myself as mayor and all the divisional councillors can request to be briefed on development applications and call them in for a decision by the full council, if we wish.
That prerogative has been exercised on numerous occasions.
If re-elected, I’ll engage with my fellow councillors to continue this approach, which has proven to be successful, in the next term.
It’s curious that a rival candidate has proposed changing this as one of her priority issues because I’ve hardly heard anybody in the community talking about it.
People are more concerned about the housing crisis and the cost of living.
As a development director involved full time with property development herself, I understand this is important to her but she’s wrong.
Her proposal to establish a planning committee would slow down decision making, delay construction and worsen the housing crisis.
We need less red tape, not more.
Jack Dempsey, February 1, 2024
Best in the world: Statement by Jack Dempsey
It’s fantastic the Southern Great Barrier Reef (including Bundaberg and Mon Repos) has been named in the BBC’s top 10 sustainable travel destinations to visit in 2024.
It’s great to see Bundaberg up there alongside Spain, Morocco, the Caribbean and Singapore.
Council worked closely with Bundaberg Tourism to make our region one of the first in Australia to be eco-tourism certified and it’s great to see our efforts recognised on the world stage.
Certification means that when family, friends and travellers visit our region they know they are supporting a destination that is backed by a strong, well-managed commitment to sustainable practices and provides high-quality nature-based tourism experiences.
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