Revealed: Who will run for Mayor if Matt Burnett is named Member for Flynn

If current Mayor Matt Burnett is named Member for Flynn at the federal election, who will compete for his vacant seat as leader of Gladstone Regional Council?

When Mayor Matt Burnett takes a four to six week leave of absence to contest the federal seat of Flynn in 2022, the wheels of change may start turning for Gladstone Regional Council.

During that time period, Deputy Mayor Kahn Goodluck will step up and take on the role of Acting Mayor.

If Cr Burnett is successful in his pursuit of the seat of Flynn for the ALP, a by-election will be called to fill the vacant position of Gladstone region Mayor, as per the Local Government Act 2009.

A by-election can be contested by any current councillor or member of the public subject to being eligible to run for office in accordance with the Act.

Callide MP Colin Boyce is also contesting the seat of Flynn, as the LNPs candidate, and if he is elected, a by-election will also be called for his state seat.

It is understood Mr Boyce is required to resign from state office to contest the election.

That means the region would face two by-elections if Cr Burnett was successful.

The seat of Flynn is currently held by retiring MP Ken O’Dowd, and has been an LNP stronghold since 2010.

The Division of Flynn consists of Banana Shire Council, Central Highlands Regional Council, Gladstone Regional Council, North Burnett Regional Council, Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council, part of the Bundaberg Regional Council, part of the Rockhampton Regional Council, and part of the South Burnett Regional Council.

The Observer asked every Gladstone region councillor if they were going to nominate for the role of Mayor if Cr Burnett was elected Member for Flynn. These were their responses:

Kahn Goodluck

Deputy Mayor Kahn Goodluck said it was his intention to run for mayor if Cr Burnett was named the Member for Flynn.

“Flynn is a big job for any candidate of any party, it is fairly marginal, so I’m not putting too much focus on that until we see what the results are,” he said.

“Obviously he may well still be the mayor come May next year.

“I have enjoyed the Deputy Mayor and Acting Mayor on various occasions, but I think at least a couple of other councillors will throw their hats in the ring too in that case.

“Potentially other people from outside of council as well.”

Natalia Muszkat

 

Councillor Natalia Muszkat was enthusiastic when she announced her candidacy for mayor in the theoretical by-election next year.

“Yes, if Matt wins I am definitely running (for mayor),” she said.

“I can’t wait to bring my passion and work ethics to the great people of the Gladstone region as their mayor.”

Darryl Branthwaite

Councillor Darryl Branthwaite said he would not be putting his name in the ring to contest for the position of mayor.

“Very happy to have a seat around the table as a Councillor,” Mr Branthwaite said.

Chris Trevor

Councillor Chris Trevor said that in the event of Cr Burnett securing the Federal seat of Flynn at the upcoming federal election, he would not be seeking the position of Mayor of the Gladstone Regional Council.

Rick Hansen

Councillor Rick Hansen said it was still inconclusive as to when the Federal election would be called and it could be as late as May 2022, and even then, who would be the successful candidate.

“I believe therefore it would be premature and speculative of me to consider such a position until that actual vacancy occurs,” Mr Hansen said.

Chris Cameron

 

Councillor Chris Cameron said in the event of a by-election, he would not be competing for the mayoral position.

Glenn Churchill

Councillor Glenn Churchill said with a federal election due in 2022, he wanted the people of the Gladstone region to know there was an experienced and safe pair of hands ready to step up to be the next mayor if required and he would nominate.

“The Gladstone region is growing and entering its next phase of regional growth and development, so we need an experienced leader that you can trust,” Cr Churchill said.

“I’m proud to have used my decades of experience on council and within the community to serve our region in shaping the family lifestyle that we enjoy so much.

“But, we can’t forget the challenges that our communities face.

“As a police officer for over 26 years, I know what it takes to protect a community, and keep it safe for our families, young people and senior citizens.

“We need safer public spaces, better sport and rec facilities, aged care, more ways to help our families stay strong, and a greater representation right across the whole region.”

Cr Churchill said the region’s greatest asset was its people and their talents and skills were its greatest strength.

“With your support as your mayor, I’m committed to being a safe pair of hands, for you and your family’s future,” he said.

Desley O’Grady

Councillor Desley O’Grady declined to comment on her eligibility to run for mayor if Cr Burnett vacated his seat for the Federal Member for Flynn role.