Former Deputy Mayor leading for top spot in Western Downs council election

New Western Downs mayor has revealed his vision for the next four years. Full details here.

Former Deputy Mayor Andrew Smith will likely take out the top job as he holds a commanding lead in the final hours of the Western Downs Regional Council elections.

Mr Smith, who served four terms in council, with the last two as Deputy Mayor, has received more 75 per cent of the votes for Mayor and is expected to beat out opposing candidate Glenn Strandquist.

During his time as Deputy Mayor Mr Smith held the portfolio of planning, environment and agribusiness and has a background in small business, retail and agriculture running a multigenerational cattle and farming enterprise.

He said it was great to see the community’s support which is expected to make his the successor to outgoing mayor Paul McVeigh.

Former Deputy Mayor Andrew Smith holds a commanding lead in the final hours of the Western Downs Regional Council elections.

“I’m overwhelmingly grateful for the support I’ve received throughout the campaign and to see the numbers as they are sitting at the moment is a glowing endorsement for myself and the sitting councillors,” he said.

“The councillors who have run again have had fantastic support which is an indication that the community is behind us in our goals.”

In his new role, Mr Smith said he would focus on Dalby’s continued financial strength, bulk water and housing.

“It is about continuing the growth and good work that has been performed by our current council,” he said.

“We have a lot of opportunity in front of us and I think it is important to have a leader and a council who sees the opportunity to grow the community.

“We want to continue our financial strength, it is important we are organising advocacy on behalf of the community, we have some advocacy projects we would like to take forward, the most important of which are the Nathan Dam and bulk water.”

Mr Smith said he would look to lead a “unified” council for the benefit of the Dalby community.

“I think people supported myself and the other sitting councillors due to our unification, financial strength and the fact we have a history of delivering good projects,” he said.

“As a leader it is critical that we have a council that is unified just as we have been.

“If we are working together we can achieve great things.”