Strong words from Division 6 candidate

Kilkivan lucerne and beef producer Brian Thomas, 59, will stand for Division 6 of Gympie Regional Council.

Brian Thomas.

KILKIVAN lucerne and beef producer Brian Thomas, 59, will stand for Division 6 of Gympie Regional Council.

Division 6 takes in the western reaches of the council area, including Kilkivan and Goomeri.

Mr Thomas was a councillor on the Kilkivan Shire Council before it was amalgamated with Cooloola.

He has been married to his wife Donna for 34 years. They have six children and five grandchildren and own two properties at Kilkivan.

Mr Thomas believes a strong family is the backbone of any community.

"Our community at present needs to have confidence restored in the mayor, councillors and administration," he said.

"It's not just up to candidates in the upcoming election to make a stand; the whole community must demand answers from sitting councillors and candidates on a number of issues reported in our local newspaper, such as the election year budget, court cases, building programs and staff complaints.

"If I had been on council, I would not have spent ratepayer's money on the redevelopment of flood prone lower Mary St; we should learn from past mistakes and cut our losses on this site.

"I will support the construction of a hydrotherapy pool in the aquatic centre, maintained and managed by council.

"We should not be constructing any building that excludes any member of the community because of their age, health or disability.

"I will keep downward pressure on rates, levies and charges.

"I have, in the past, been involved as group leader of Kilkivan State Emergency Service during the floods 2011 and 2013, secretary of Wide Bay Creek Water advisory committee, deputy chairman Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee and four years as a Kilkivan shire councillor.

"If elected I will represent the citizens of Division 6 and Gympie region as a whole without fear or favour, honestly protecting the rights of all to a fair return of their rate dollars.

"I will ensure wherever possible that the Gympie Regional Council employs and promotes local members of the community.

"I will also promote the use of local contractors and subcontractors on major construction work. I will have a buy local policy supporting local businesses. As stated I have a vast experience with local government and community organisations.

"I will be able to meet the needs and concerns of the community and put the position as a councillor first and foremost."