North Burnett councillors declare personal and financial interests
North Burnett Regional councillors have listed their land holdings, assets, and community roles.
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In a bid to maintain transparency and manage potential conflicts of interest, the North Burnett Regional Council has updated its Register of Interests, as required by state law.
This register ensures that councillors’ personal and financial interests do not interfere with their decision-making responsibilities, which shape the future of the region.
Mayor Les Hotz
Mayor Les Hotz declared ownership of a residential property in Three Moon and 200ha of land in Cania used for beef cattle farming.
Additionally, he holds office in the Monto State Emergency Service and Monto Presbyterian Church.
Among his declared assets, Mr Hotz lists vehicles valued over $5000.
His other sources of income include a superannuation benefit.
Division 1 Councillor Melinda Jones
Councillor Melinda Jones has declared her interest in Waratah Longhorns, where her spouse is a partner.
She owns two rental properties in Monto, including one on 10ha also used for rural grazing, and another rental property in Biloela.
Her assets include a crane/cattle truck, farm machinery, a caravan, and a refrigerated truck, all valued over $5000.
Ms Jones is also an active member of several organisations, including the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation and the Queensland Rural, Regional, Remote Women’s Network and the International Association for Public Participation.
She is vice president of Monto Magic Tourism Action Group, a community committee member of the North Burnett Regional Arts Development Funding, a local management committee member of the ADRA Monto op shop and a council representative and secretary for the Burnett Inland Economic Development organisation.
Division 2 Councillor Trina Vaughan
Councillor Trina Vaughan declared her partnership in Aktiv AG Contracting and her ownership of 8ha of residential property in Eidsvold.
She also owns 121ha in Eidsvold and 32ha in Dallarnil, used for agistment.
Her declared assets include cattle, a cattle truck, and fencing and mustering equipment.
She earns additional income from her role at Price Busters and Aktiv AG Contracting.
Division 3 Councillor Susan Payne
Councillor Susan Payne holds shares in several companies, including ANZ, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Suncorp Australia, and Westpac, as well as private companies Lelant Grazing Pty Ltd and Lelant Investments Pty Ltd, where she serves as a director.
She is also a trustee and beneficiary of multiple family trusts and is involved in a grazing and investment venture.
She holds a membership in AgForce and serves as treasurer for the Local Authority Waste Management Action Committee. Ms Payne’s declared assets include a Toyota ute, Kluger, body truck, and tractor.
Her income sources over $500 per year come from cattle and horse sales.
Division 4 Councillor Renee McGilvery
Councillor Renee McGilvery declared ownership of a residential property in Woodmillar and a rental property in Gayndah.
She also received a $500 gift for her electoral campaign and earns additional income from her employment at the Gayndah News Agency.
She holds an office in the Heartland Festival North Burnett.
Division 5 Councillor Michael Dingle
Councillor Michael Dingle has declared ownership of 161ha of land in Mount Perry, used for grazing — the only item he declared on his Register of Interests.
Division 6 Councillor Moira Thompson
Councillor Moira Thompson has listed her residential home in Biggenden as her primary asset.
She is a local cadet coordinator for the Biggenden PCYC Emergency Service Cadets and receives income from an aged pension, disability pension, and carer allowance.
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