Bundaberg council election 2024: Who are the candidates so far?
The race is officially on for the 2024 local government elections. These are the 26 people who have announced they will run for Bundaberg council, their background and what they stand for.
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The race to the 2024 Bundaberg Regional Council election is officially underway with more than a dozen new candidates throwing their hats in the ring.
With the council in caretaker mode and nominations closed, the final candidates have stepped forward.
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The mayoral fight is shaping up to be a spirited campaign, with incumbent Jack Dempsey up against former councillor Helen Blackburn.
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Voters will head to the polls on March 16 to decide the Bundaberg council for the next four years.
Meet all council and mayoral candidates as lodged to-date with the Queensland Electoral Commission below:
Bundaberg mayoral candidates
Jack Dempsey
Incumbent mayor Jack Dempsey is hoping to retain his position in the Bundaberg council, a position he has held since 2016.
As part of his campaign, Mr Dempsey said he would focus on lessening the effect of the cost-of-living crisis and keep rates as low as possible.
The former state member for Bundaberg has held various ministerial positions throughout his political career including police and community safety minister in 2013.
“I’m pleased that your council was able to adopt a budget this year that had a zero general rate rise and a doubling of the pensioner discount to help ease cost-of-living pressure,” he said.
“My wish is to limit future rate increases to CPI, which is challenging given the cost shifting that occurs from the state government and stringent requirements to comply with waste management regulations.”
Helen Blackburn
Former Ratepayers Association president Helen Blackburn will run for mayor on March 16.
Ms Blackburn chose a Burnett Heads cane farm as the location of her announcement to remind voters of the lingering discontent among the agricultural community with rate rises experienced in previous council budgets.
“The significance of announcing on the cane farm was the fact that although the farmers were promised that they would get a CPI-indexed rates increase … back in 2020, the rates went up by over 245 per cent,” Ms Blackburn said.
“So I stand with the agricultural industry, it’s inherently important to the future of the region.”
Levi Horvath
Fuel company operator Levi Horvath was a late addition to the list of nominated candidates for the 2024 mayoral seat of the Bundaberg council.
The former Australian Army cadet officially introduced himself online, sharing insights into his campaign and what he hopes to achieve if elected into the council chambers.
The candidate is standing behind a number of promises and goals as part of his run for mayor including addressing homelessness, listening to the community, ensuring transparency and fighting to lower rates.
Much like candidate Helen Blackburn, Mr Horvath has made the agricultural sector part of his campaign initiative.
“To work with the region’s farmers to advocate for affordable water and drought prevention solutions,” he said.
Bundaberg council Division 1 candidates
Jason Bartels
Incumbent
Jason Bartels announced his nomination for re-election to the Bundaberg Regional Council on his Facebook page, with the incumbent sharing his candidacy goals.
“I will continue to fight to keep any rates and charges increases as low as possible,” he said.
“I will continue to represent our division and our region with the [utmost] respect and will ensure that you continue to have a strong voice in council who will speak to and for everyone.”
Johannes Zietsman
Food van owner
Johannes Zietsman is running for Division 1 after moving to Moore Park Beach three years ago. After being drawn to the region for its coastal atmosphere he says he has since noticed it is being left behind.
Through his business, food van Jaz Authentic South African Food, Mr Zietsman said he was able to connect with the concerns of his neighbours and those visiting the secluded tourist destination.
Backed by years of service to community groups including Lions and Rotary, Mr Zietsman said he decided it was time to bring those concerns to the forefront.
“Working with the community I can see that we don’t have the structure which should be there for us,” he said.
Bundaberg council Division 2 candidates
Bill Trevor
Incumbent
Division 2 councillor and deputy mayor Bill Trevor confirmed he would run for re-election after lengthy discussions with his family over the festive period.
He said the decision was triggered by concerns within his largely rural division that councillors elected in March might not prioritise the feelings held by the people of Woodgate, Childers, Coonarr, Goodwood, Kinkuna, Buxton and the wider Isis district.
“The other thing is, there are three or four big projects which are supposed to happen in the coming term in my division,” Mr Trevor said.
“You’re going to see a lot of promises made by a lot of people leading up to the election.
“A lot of these people making promises may never have served on council, and don’t know what the rules and regulations are.”
Paul Hudson
The Division 2 candidate announced his run on Facebook.
The long-time Bundaberg resident shared his beliefs for local government.
“I believe that government interference, regulations, taxation, rates and fees should be reduced to the minimum that is necessary for a functioning and healthy civil society,” Mr Hudson said.
“I support the reintroduction of the 10 per cent early rates payment discount and, in addition, I would like to see a further significant reduction in rates.
“The cost of living pressures are not easing any time soon so I believe we need to make some drastic but realistic changes at a local government level which aim to alleviate the financial pressures faced by everyone.”
Bundaberg council Division 3 candidates
Joseph Heininger
Joseph Heininger was one of the last council candidates to confirm his nomination with the ECQ and little is known about his candidacy at this time.
Deb Keslake
Little is known about the Division 3 candidate, whose official run for the seat of former councillor Wayne Honor was announced on the Bundaberg Regional Ratepayers Facebook page.
The Gin Gin resident shared a love for her local community after she immigrated to the region from the United Kingdom in 2007.
In her candidacy announcement, Mrs Keslake said she believed the towns of the Bundaberg council were being forgotten as rates for farmers continued to rise.
“Currently, the council is not working in the best interests of the residents of Gin Gin and surrounds,” she said.
“There are spending blowouts on unnecessary projects in Bundaberg and higher rates for farmers out here.
“I promise to embrace change, build on our community spirit, demand more transparency from council, and lead with honesty and common sense.”
Bundaberg council Division 4 candidates
Ian Ward
Retired
Bundaberg retiree Ian Ward will make his run towards the 2024 Bundaberg Regional Council election, putting his name on the ballot for Division 4.
A born and bred local, Mr Ward said he has found a new lease on life since retiring 13 years ago and wanted to bring common sense to a council which he said had become too political.
“Things are not transparent, which they should be, decisions are being made behind the scenes and I think that is a sad indictment against the councillors that won’t make a stand,” he said.
Many in the region may recognise Mr Ward as a devoted former production manager for the NewsMail, a role he spent much of his professional career in before being promoted to the Sunshine Coast Daily.
Tracey McPhee
Incumbent
Before entering the council chambers in 2020, Tracey McPhee was a familiar face because of her business prowess as the owner of the popular Alowishus Delicious Cafe.
Her community involvement stems from her personal connection to the Bundaberg Regional Youth Hub, St Joseph’s Catholic primary school board and she also volunteers for numerous organisations and charities.
Mrs McPhee will recontest Division 4, announcing the decision to run once more on her Facebook page in late January.
“For a long time I was very undecided as to whether I would put my hand up and have another go,” she said.
“I never made promises coming into my first election and nothing has changed.
“Now more than when I started, I understand I am only one vote of 11 and promise-making could easily lead to promise-breaking.”
Bundaberg council Division 5 candidates
Greg Barnes
Incumbent
As one of the longest-serving councillors in the Bundaberg chamber, Greg Barnes has become a legacy of local government.
He has served in regional council since 2000, on the former Burnett Shire Council, before being elected into the newly established Bundaberg Regional Council in 2012.
The councillor informed the NewsMail in August of 2023 of his intention to run for re-election in March, making the early announcement based on continued feedback from his division and the wider Bundaberg community.
“The number one issue that’s arisen over the last two terms, is the perceived lack of transparency,” he said.
“Everything seems to be decided behind closed doors and people aren’t happy, they got lied to about the Anzac pool.
“I think I’ve probably got a justice neurosis, I don’t like seeing things being done underhanded; I never did when I was in the police
force and I don’t in local government.”
Larine Statham-Blair
Local business owner, journalist
Small business owner Larine Statham-Blair has announced her run for the Division 5 seat of the Bundaberg Regional Council.
She will go head to head with Greg Barnes at the upcoming local government election, bringing her own impressive resume of credentials to the candidacy.
Locals may recognise Mrs Statham-Blair as the co-founder of Bundaberg South’s Kaleidoscope Skin Cancer Clinic, or from her time at Crush Magazine, a publication dedicated to showcasing and celebrating the Bundaberg Burnett region.
“Bargara and Innes Park North are booming and the community make-up has changed in recent years,” Mrs Statham-Blair said.
“The division has had the same councillor for 24 years.
“It’s time for some new blood and fresh thinking.”
Bundaberg council Division 6 candidates
Bradley Grogan
Bradley Grogan was one of the last council candidates to confirm his nomination with the ECQ and little is known about his candidacy at this time.
Carmen McEneany
Business owner
Bundaberg business woman Carmen McEneany was one of the first council candidates to announce her run for Division 6 of the Bundaberg council, alerting the community in October of 2023.
The mother-of-four has been an advocate for various local initiatives, including upgrades to the Ashfield Rd-FE Walker St intersection, for which $1.15 million in funding was allocated by the Qld government in 2020.
Ms McEneany said her background in successfully advocating for public initiatives demonstrated an ability to realise change in the community.
“I’m a local mum, a small-business owner, and I’m passionate about fighting for our community,” Ms McEneany said.
“I know how to get things done … I’m running as a candidate because Bundy needs a council that gets the basics right.
Andrea Kay McPherson
Town planner
Town planner Andrea McPherson has nominated for Division 6.
Mrs McPherson says her tenure as a senior town planner for the Qld government, most recently for the Department of Transport and Main Roads, has given her a unique insight into community expectations of everyday and major projects.
“I’ve worked in state government and local government, so I know how that system works,” she said.
“I can see that there’s lots of opportunities … when planning schemes are being created to engage with communities and find out how places can evolve, and not leave communities behind.”
Among the initiatives Ms McPherson is keen to explore is a review of local growers’ water allocations to ensure they are sufficient to service a more diverse range of crops, and leveraging Bundaberg’s proximity to south east Queensland as a recycling and waste management centre for end of life components from sustainable energy projects.
Bundaberg council Division 7 candidates
Geoff Warham
Retired
Geoff Warham was one of the last candidates to nominate for the Bundaberg council election, but quickly got to work introducing himself via social media.
The former Coles online manager shared his connection to the region, which was driven by raising three children in Bundaberg.
Speaking on his campaign and the changes he intends to introduce if elected into the Bundaberg council, Mr Warham said he hoped to see the return of the planning portfolio to a councillor, or see greater councillor input provided to the CEO.
“On a final note, I may not always be able to put a name to a face, but won’t forget the ideas and issues put forward,” he said.
Gary Kirk
Retired
Former Norville State School principal Gary Kirk has promised to bring a responsive and respectful attitude to the Bundaberg Regional Council after succumbing to years of encouragement to throw his hat in the ring.
Mr Kirk said he intends to act with seven key values and wants to be a trustworthy, effective communicator, forthright, responsive, respectful, a creative and strategic thinker, visible, accessible and fair dinkum councillor if elected.
He said his number one priority if elected was ensuring local government worked closer with the hundreds of community groups in the region.
“You’ve got people in these groups who are talented, passionate, dedicated and very, very knowledgeable,” he said.
“Bundaberg council has to be able to connect with those organisations, get them talking and working together.”
Vince Habermann
Incumbent
Division 7 incumbent Vince Habermann said his decision to run for re-election was the “natural thing to do” and promised to put his “proven track record” to work if successful.
The Bundaberg local was awarded an Order of Australia medal in 2008 for his commitment to local sports.
If elected, it would mark the third term served in the council chambers by Mr Habermann who served as Division 4 councillor from 2012 to 2016.
Over the years he has also been awarded life memberships of The Brothers Cricket Club, Bundaberg Cricket Association, Brothers Sports Club, Diggers Football Club, and Past Brothers Rugby League Football Club.
Mr Habermann said he believed there was “unfinished business” within the council and aims to continue his hard work if re-elected in March.
“The pool, which has been a point of contention, to me is going to be a great thing for the community; it’s a legacy project which is going to be great for Bundaberg for many years to come,” he said.
Bundaberg council Division 8 candidates
Steve Cooper
Incumbent
Incumbent Bundaberg councillor Steve Cooper will run for re-election to Division 8, promising to bring his track record as a successful business owner and time spent as the national and state chair of the Home Hardware group to the role.
“With a proven record of accomplishments, a deep commitment to community wellbeing, and a wealth of experience in business and public service, I am confident in my ability to make a lasting and positive impact on the Bundaberg community,” he said.
Mr Cooper has a respected history with local community groups and organisations, including Rotary for which he was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship Award.
His work supporting the Bundaberg region extends to his role as board member for Bundaberg Tourism, a position Mr Cooper says supports the “betterment of our community in multiple ways”.
Shorne Sanders
Publican
Local publican Shorne Sanders has thrown his hat in the ring for the upcoming local council elections, hoping he can part what he calls the “dark cloud” hanging over the Bundaberg region.
Despite saying he was stepping outside of his comfort zone to go head-to-head with incumbent Steve Cooper for the council seat, Mr Sanders believes he has what it takes to make an impression for his community.
When he considers stepping into the council chambers, Mr Sanders said he would not do so carrying any firm election promises, other than a keen desire to put his head down, learn and do the work.
“I’m not seeking a career in politics, I’m not doing this for the money,” he said.
“They say that fresh eyes can create change, so if I can create change that’s for the better that’s what I’m here for.”
Bundaberg council Division 9 candidates
Mike Paul
Engineer
Engineer Mike Paul has identified what he believes to be the biggest issue with the Bundaberg council, and has a ready made plan to address it to the benefit of the community.
The engineer has worked both with and for the council in his years of service to local projects, a history which he believes gives him the springboard to tackle the role head on.
Mr Paul has said staff turnover rates were having the biggest impact on day-to-day efficiencies of the Bundaberg council, impacting finances, major projects and everyday services.
“The council was turning over 120 staff a year in mid-2018, and the vacancy rates have now doubled to 250,” he said.
“If you’re turning over staff that much you don’t get the work done, you’re spending time training these people and services are suffering.
“I thought it needs to be addressed and I am standing up to try and change that.”
May Mitchell
Incumbent
Long time Bundaberg local May Mitchell announced her official run for re-election in early January, sharing the news on her Facebook page.
The incumbent brings an extensive history with local government to the campaign, previously holding positions at Mt Isa City Council, Thuringowa City Council (Townsville) and a senior role in the Bundaberg council’s revenue area.
As part of her re-election announcement, Mrs Mitchell thanked those who had supported her ongoing tenure in the council and those who had supported her extensive volunteering commitments with the Bundaberg & District Neighbourhood Centre, Meals on Wheels Bundaberg and raising funds and Crime Stoppers Queensland Bundaberg Volunteers.
“In the upcoming term, if re-elected I aim not just for growth but sustainable progress that improves our quality of life collectively,” she said.
“Decisions made will prioritise the entire region, ensuring a liveable future for all.
“With the right council, we can have respectful debate, hear even the quiet community voice, nurture inclusivity, and diversity, and create ample opportunities.”
Bundaberg council Division 10 candidates
John Learmonth
Incumbent
Bundaberg local John Learmonth confirmed he would recontest Division 10 of the Bundaberg council on his official Facebook page in early February.
The former fitter and turner has a long history with the region, and has been involved in a voluntary capacity in several local clubs including serving as Commodore of the Bundaberg Sailing Club.
As part of his campaign announcement, he thanked those who had supported his tenure as councillor and time spent overseeing the Arts, Culture and Events portfolio.
Through this portfolio Mr Learmonth has become a staple of the local arts scene, often appearing at gallery openings and community events.
Steven Clark
Business owner
Little is known about the candidacy of long time Bundaberg local Steven Clark, who announced his campaign for Division 10 on Facebook.
The former wildlife ranger and car detailing business owner said his choice to run for the council chambers was driven by a desire to give back to the Bundaberg community.
“Through my business I have been able to sponsor and support numerous local clubs, organisations, groups and sports teams,” he said.
“But now it’s time to repay the whole community by serving and representing them to the best of my ability.”
Through his time with the Burnett River Clean Up group, Mr Clark said a key platform of his campaign was improving waste services in the region as well as striving to bring back the discount for early ratepayers.
Geoffrey Goodwin
Civil foreman
A civil construction foreman with decades of experience working alongside major companies and governments has plans to bring transparency to the Bundaberg council if elected in March.
Geoff Goodwin said his decision to run for Division 10 was spurred by what he claimed was a disconnect between the council and the community.
“My goal is to bring a more community-oriented approach,” he said.
Mr Goodwin said he wanted to bring an open-door policy for the division, and improve grassroots services Bundaberg locals rely on daily.
“There’s always another side to the story,” he said.
“The unfortunate part of that is we don’t seem to have much access as residents to that side of the story.”
If you are a candidate in the Bundaberg council election and your profile is not yet included in this article please email nicole.strathdee@news.com.au or james.taylor@news.com.au
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