Isaac mayor Anne Baker retires from local government

After almost 20 years as a grassroots politician in formidable mining territory, Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker is stepping down from local government.

After almost 20 years as a grassroots politician in mining territory, Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker is stepping down from local government. Picture: Michaela Harlow

After almost 20 years as a grassroots politician in formidable mining territory, Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker is stepping down from local government.

Ms Baker revealed the emotional news to her peers on Wednesday that she would not be running in 2024’s electoral race.

“After nearly 17 years representing the Isaac region, and the last 12 of those as mayor, I have made the decision to retire from council,” Ms Baker said.

“It has been a wild ride and I have put my heart and soul in to fighting for Isaac, getting up every day to do my best for the community I love.

“I’ve cherished every moment of being mayor, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for our incredible region.”

Mayor Anne Baker, sporting her hot pink hairstyle in support of those who have battled breast cancer, with Julie Smith. Picture: File

Ms Baker goes out on a high after successfully lobbying the state government to push emergency laws through parliament to save Glenden and its 300 homes from the wrecking ball.

Other milestone achievements include securing a new Moranbah Hospital and more than $120 million in funding for the Isaac communities.

She was also unafraid to challenge state and federal governments over climate change policies and initiatives, including taking a seat on the ABC’s Q+A panel to make sure the Isaac region was part of the discussion regarding reaching carbon neutrality by 2050.

Isaac Mayor Anne Baker, Resources Minister Scott Stewart, Isaac Council CEO Jeff Stewart-Harris and Whitehaven Coal project director Todd Harrington on a visit of the site. Picture: Contributed

And when it came to the sore point of miners living in southeast Queensland and flying to the Bowen Basin for work, Ms Baker fought to block mining juggernauts from setting up 100 per cent fly-in, fly-out workforces via the Strong and Sustainable Resources Communities Bill.

Now for the first time, the number of miners living across the Mackay Isaac Whitsundays region outnumbers those living in the southeast corner, according to the Queensland Resources Council.

Mayor Anne Baker and Moranbah Senior Sergeant Adam Dyer taking a stand against domestic violence.

IRC CEO Ken Gouldthorp said Ms Baker was the driving force behind many remarkable achievements and had steered the ship as a political architect for more than a decade.

“The Isaac region’s trajectory has been forever altered under her visionary guidance and she leaves a legacy that lays strong foundations for Isaac’s next chapter,” Mr Gouldthorp said.

“As we bid farewell to an Isaac icon, we salute Mayor Baker for her indelible mark on our region’s history.

“Her inspirational legacy and authentic human approach to leadership is not just a chapter in our story, but a dynamic force that will resonate for generations to come.”

Ms Baker plans to take a break and spend time with her family and friends.