Isaac council election: Mayor decided, fight for councillor positions
They’re vying for your votes — even if one would-be councillor believes candidates aren’t public figures — while the mayoral race is done and dusted.
Mackay
Don't miss out on the headlines from Mackay. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The next mayor of Isaac Regional Council is already locked in with only incumbent councillor Kelly Vea Vea signing up for the gig.
It comes after Anne Baker announced she was retiring following more than 12 years as mayor.
However there are 15 candidates independently running to represent the region’s eight divisions come the Saturday, March 16 election.
Of these, three will automatically become councillors as the only contestants to run for their nominated division.
They include Simon West for Division 4, Alaina Earl for Division 5, Rachel Anderson for Division 7, and Vivienne Coleman for Division 8.
Get to know all the candidates — below in categorical and then alphabetical order — before you cast your vote.
Scroll down for the full list.
Isaac’s new mayor
Kelly Vea Vea will officially be succeeding Anne Baker as mayor of Isaac.
Ms Vea Vea has served on the Isaac Regional Council since 2012 and held the position of deputy mayor for the last six years.
She started serving the public as the Moranbah Action Group’s chairperson and tackled the issue of the fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workforce in Isaac.
When she joined council in 2012, she ran in opposition to the incumbent deputy mayor of the time Roger Ferguson saying “instead of leadership, we have seen inaction … I’m determined to change that.”
Together with Anne Baker, the two were able to effectively end widespread FIFO workers in Isaac and introduced initiatives that encouraged workers and their families to move to Isaac’s townships.
As mayor, Ms Vea Vea has clear priorities, more funding for community and infrastructure projects, as well as the goal to open Country University Centres across Isaac to deliver on her promise of education and training for those who want them.
As the leader of council she will be pivotal in pursuing Isaac’s lawsuit against mining giant Braavus to meet their infrastructure obligations.
“Our roads were never built to handle the sheer number and weight that they do,” she said.
“The Peak Downs Highway is one of our priorities.”
On average, one person dies every year on the Peak Downs Highway and at least six others are seriously hospitalised.
Ms Vea Vea wants to also focus on smaller local roads stating “We also need to get the basics right.”
“Road maintenance funding needs to be increased and is long overdue.
“We have a number of local roads that we need to focus on.
“The Isaac region is 58,000 square kilometres. It’s bloody huge.”
Terry O’Neill – Division 1
Terry O’Neill is running for Isaac’s Division 1 to “give something back”.
A long term employee of local government, Mr O’Neill has worked for Belyando Shire Council and then Isaac’s Regional Council in accounts payable.
“I’ve lived here all my life and will probably die here,” said Mr O’Neill.
In his spare time he has served in his local Rural Fire Brigade as it’s secretary and was the poultry steward at the Clermont Show.
“I was interested in chooks,” he said.
If elected Mr O’Neill wants to improve the dirt roads that service rural ratepayers.
“People with properties pay lots in rates, but the only service they get are roads.”
“If we could improve their roads, it would help agriculture get to markets more efficiently and boost liveability.”
Milissa Payne – Division 1
Milissa Payne is running for Division 1 so she can “be a part of shaping the future of Isaac”.
Ms Payne started her career working at her local IGA to put herself through university.
Years later she would return to that IGA as its owner.
Like many in Isaac, she worked at the mines in a number of roles but was called to public service when the Newlands Coal Mine was closed.
Her home of Glenden struggled following this closure so she joined the Save Glenden campaign where she joined Anne Baker and Kelly Vea Vea in passing legislation that prevented the towns “bulldozing”.
“We’re a viable town that should be used by mining companies,” Ms Payne said.
“It was a six year struggle … we changed history.”
If elected, Ms Payne will focus on roads.
“The Peak Downs Highway is just a death trap,” she said.
“Our region pumps so much money to QLD but we get under 1% of the royalties.
“That’s disgusting.”
Ms Payne also intends to focus on education and employment believing that “our kids shouldn’t have to leave town to find a good education and employment.”
“I believe I’m a great candidate for the region.”
Sandra Moffat – Division 2
Sandra ‘Sandy’ Moffat is seeking her second term on the Isaac council after being elected in 2020.
Originally from the Darling Downs, Mrs Moffat moved to Dysart 13 years ago and has “no plans to leave”.
“We’ll probably be here until we turn out the lights,” Mrs Moffat said.
Ms Moffat has experience in early childhood education, and the hospitality industry.
In her spare time she volunteers for Variety, the Dysart Men’s Shed and supports her local cricket and football clubs.
“It’s all about giving back into the community,” she said.
“People ask why do you do it. Well.. why don’t you?”
If elected Ms Moffat wants to work not only on roads in her Division but roads “across the region”.
“Our roads are shit and it’s everywhere,” she said.
“A lot of our roads are built on black soil, … you get the wet season and everything shifts … there's a whole process that happens behind (getting them fixed).
“But that's not to say we’re not working on it.”
Verniece Russell – Division 2
Verniece ‘Vern’ Russell is running for Division 2 after living in Dysart for “nearly 25 years”.
Ms Russell, a mother of five, started her career doing the afternoon cleaning shift at a mine before working at Dysart’s IGA.
She then started a fruit and vegetable shop, as well as a cafe and then a florist.
In 2015 she transitioned to corporate catering for private functions and mining companies.
In her spare time she’s volunteered with her children's sports and activity clubs.
If elected Ms Russell said she will focus on “communities, families and infrastructure”.
“I’ve seen Dysart through the boom and the bust,” Ms Russell said.
“I think it’s a bit sad at the moment and I’d like to give something back to it.
“It’s time to put some oomph back into the old town.”
Renee Cross – Division 3
Renee Cross is looking to fill the shoes of the now retired Gina Lacey and be council’s “voice of families”.
Ms Cross has lived in Moranbah for six years, prior to that she worked in finance as a paralegal.
Later she joined a mining company as a superannuation financial planner before moving to Isaac where she now works for Pembrooke as a community engagement officer.
“I’m a mother in a mining family,” Mrs Cross said.
“I want to represent young families with children in primary school which I believe is a large majority of Division 3s demographic.”
If elected, Mrs Cross wants to focus on parks.
“Sunshine Park’s sandpit has turned into a cat litter tray,” she said.
“We need to revitalise that park so we have new things coming in for our families.
“I feel I’ve been in town long enough and interacted with the communities to know what they want.”
Melissa Westcott – Division 3
Melissa Westcott is running for Isaac’s Division 3 as she believes that “now is a good time for new blood”.
Inspired to run after seeing Anne Baker and Gina Lacey step down, Ms Westcott believes she has the experience to “step in” and “provide strategic direction”.
Ms Westcott has been one of Moranbah’s prominent small business owners, operating ecommerce platform ‘Big On Shoes’ as well as Moranbah Blooms which has organised the Mayor's Charity Ball for eight consecutive years.
Furthermore, Ms Westcott owns Fox on Frank in Moranbah, but has stepped out of the day to day operations in favour of a long term strategic role.
“I’ve become very skilled at multitasking,” Ms Westcott said.
If elected, Ms Westcott would like to prioritise bringing more affordable housing to Moranbah to promote population growth.
“We need retail workers, pub workers and restaurants to make it a beautiful community,” she said.
Simon West – Division 4
Simon West will continue to serve as Division 4 councillor for another term.
“I want to continue the good work that this council is doing and I think there’s more to be done,” Mr West said.
Before moving to Isaac more than 25 years ago, Mr West worked in hospitality management in Melbourne’s clubs and hotels.
Since then he has worked in a coal mine.
Mr West saying he has a “deep interest in community” believes that if you want something done “you often have to do it yourself”.
He joined Isaac council in 2019 after Peter Freeleagus retired and was unopposed in this appointment.
Mr West is excited to continue cooperating with the Resource Centre of Excellence saying that “(they) will attract the tech and new ways of mining”.
He also wants to improve housing affordability in Moranbah.
Alaina Earl – Division 5
Newcomer Alaina Earl will be taking over Kelly Vea Vea’s former position as councillor for Division 5.
A resident of Isaac since 2001, Mrs Earl has a background in journalism, working for the Mackay Daily Mercury and Miners Midweek for 5 years before joining a Moranbah magazine.
Since 2016 she’s been working at 4RFM Community Radio Moranbah in a number of roles.
In her spare time she’s volunteered as the Secretary for Moranbah Arts and been the Vice President of the Moranbah Community Workers Club.
If elected, Mrs Earl will continue her advocacy work for road safety which started at 4RFM through their yearly Road Safety Week.
“Roads are obviously vital,” Mrs Earl said.
“But changing driver behaviour is where we will have the most success.
“I look forward to being a voice for you.”
Jane Pickels – Division 6
Incumbent councillor Jane Pickels is hoping to succeed former council colleague Carolyn Franzmann as the representative for Division 6.
Ms Pickels has moved to Clermont and will be seeking a fourth term on council.
“I love doing what I do,” Ms Pickels said.
Prior to joining council, she worked for the region as part of the councils customer service team and has worked in local government for over 20 years.
In her spare time she plays and coaches tennis and netball as well as volunteering on a number of sporting committees throughout Isaac.
Ms Pickels entered council with incoming mayor Kelly Vea Vea 12 years ago and the two have collaborated on many projects.
“There’s still much to be done,” she said.
If elected in Division 6, Ms Pickels will be prioritising roads and will “most definitely be part of pursuing the lawsuit against Braavus.”
She would also like to focus on improving Isaac’s financial sustainability and maintaining their current financial ratings.
Mark Hodgetts – Division 6
Running against incumbent Isaac Councillor in Division 6 is ‘handyman’ Mark Hodgetts.
Having owned a property in Clermont for 14 years, Mr Hodgetts believes that his background would make him a “balanced” and “educated” councillor for Clermont.
Mr Hodgett’s holds qualifications in applied sciences and chemistry which he used during his time working for Dainippon Ink and Chemicals as the Queensland State Sales Manager.
While at DIC Mr Hodgett’s claimed to have been a driving force behind the introduction of more “environmentally friendly inks”.
Since leaving the printing industry, Mr Hodgetts has been keeping busy as a handyman and has been serving his community as a Scout Leader for six years and Clean Up Australia.
If elected, Mr Hodgetts would like to take a “closer look” at parks and gardens maintenance.
“I won’t be frightened to stand up and speak for the people of Clermont,” Mr Hodgetts said.
Mr Hodgetts is also the mystery man we alluded to in another story.
He took umbrage with our reporter’s comment that if he was to win the division, his phone number and email would be publicly available to his constituents.
“Your absurd assertion that I have forfeited my right to privacy is both abusive and attempt by you ... to bully me,” he wrote.
“I am not in the least interested in your ‘story’.
“Stories are for children at bedtime.”
Rachel Anderson – Division 7
Rachel Anderson will replace Jane Pickels as councillor for Division 7 as Ms Pickels seeks re-election in Division 6.
Ms Anderson, an Isaac resident of 40 years, believes she has the “experience” and “dedication” to help shape council policy.
Another Daily Mercury alum, Ms Anderson moved from Brisbane to Moranbah in 2011 to work as the director owner at Moranbah Airport Services (MAS) Aviation.
In her spare time she has served as the director of Moranbah Community Worker Club for 8 years and is now a patron of the club.
As Division 7s councillor she will focus on sustainability by promoting education programs, healthcare, social welfare, environmental conservation and tourism.
“I want the Isaac region to be an attractive, safe, sustainable and leading community for everyone for generations to come,” she said.
“I’m really excited to begin my role as Isaac Regional Councillor and support Mayor Kelly Vea Vea.”
Vivienne Coleman – Division 8
Vivienne Coleman is “extremely passionate” about Isaac and will be returning as Division 8’s councillor for the next four years.
Ms Coleman’s family are from the Mackay Isaac region originally and she has operated businesses in a variety of industries including hospitality, agriculture, aquaculture and waste.
In her spare time she volunteers with Variety Queensland and the Cancer Council while also being a member of the Clarke Creek Wind Farm Community Consultative Committee, Road Accident Action Group, River to Reef, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and Local Marine Activity Group.
Ms Coleman wants to focus on ensuring that small community ratepayers have access to services.
“Division 8 is currently a consortium of six towns, this term that will be reduced to four,” she said.
“It’s in my interest to make sure everyone’s heard.”
Ms Coleman will also continue to be an advocate for improving infrastructure.
“I am humbled by the feedback I’ve received,” she said.
“I’m really proud to once again have the opportunity to represent Division 8.”
Mackay sale and auction results, week ending February 15
Cannonvale proved to be a hot market last week with five properties selling for a total value of $3.4 million. See the latest auction and sales results.
‘Powerful platform’: How a weekend walk could save women’s lives
For the first time, a life-changing domestic violence awareness movement is taking its first steps into the Whitsundays. Here’s how you can be involved.