Laurence Bonaventura launches Mackay council mayoral campaign

Habana native and councillor of 12 years Laurence Bonaventura has kicked off his mayoral campaign. See his vision.

Mackay Regional Council councillor Laurence Bonaventura at Marian. Picture: Zizi Averill

A Mackay councillor with 12 years of experience in local government has his eye on the mayor’s position, taking on incumbent Greg Williams and promising a ‘return to basics’.

Speaking at his official launch, Councillor Laurence Bonaventura was excited about the “opportunity” of the race.

“My background is similar to a lot of residents in the region,” he said.

A veteran councillor of three terms, Mr Bonaventura started his career as a farmer, earthmover and volunteer in his community, and said he felt he could make a difference.

Mr Bonaventura enters the election as a counterpoint to the two teams led by incumbent mayor Greg Williamson and challenger Steve Jackson

“I realised I could not stand back,” Mr Bonaventura said.

“If our elections become team dominated, independents like Russell Seymour will struggle.”

Russell Seymour has publicly stated he will be voting for Mr Bonaventura.

Mackay independent councillor Russell Seymour has indicated he will be supporting Mr Bonaventura.

Mr Bonaventura is campaigning on a platform of financial responsibility.

“For the last eight years we’ve been on a purple patch,” he said.

“We’ve reduced debt, which gave us more money to do things in our region.

“I believe we can continue with the projects we have, but we cannot continue on this path.

“We have to get back to basics.”

To Mr Bonaventura, getting back to basics will focus on improving regional infrastructure, and returning to projects that had been shelved.

“The northern beaches transfer station was on the agenda in 2012,” he said.

“It’s been off since the mining crash, but the need for that is coming closer and closer every year.

“My vision is to maintain a steady debt level.”

Mr Bonaventura is also currently being investigated for allegations he breached council rules by enquiring about a project.

Councillor Pauline Townsend and Belinda Hassan have both broken ties with Mayor Greg Williamson to run as independents. Picture: Michaela Harlow

Councillor Martin Bella, Councillor Fran Mann, Councillor Pauline Townsend and Councillor Alison Jones attended his campaign launch.

Ms Mann, one of his vocal supporters, said, “He’s shown me over our time together in council that he’s very thorough about everything put in front of us”.

“I believe I will be voting for him.”

Ms Mann, along with Ms Townsend, are both former members of the Williamson Alliance who have now aligned with Bonaventura.

Ms Jones spoke in favour of Bonaventura’s vision for an independent led council, “Independents and teams don’t necessarily work together”.

“For the sake of the council and the community, I think we should have independent mayors and councillors.”