Meet team Williamson: the five new Mackay council candidates
From fresh faces to finance experts, here’s the familiar names and newcomers Mackay’s mayor hopes voters will back in the March council election and why.
Mackay
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Mackay’s mayor Greg Williamson has revealed the team he’s hoping to take with him into the new council era post the March 16 election.
Alongside incumbent Deputy Mayor Karen May, he has one other returning councillor running for re-election and five new candidates looking to gain seats.
Here’s who he hopes voters will back and why:
Stephen Cutting
A newcomer to the role of public servant, engineer and consultant Stephen Cutting is approaching his candidacy with “a genuine desire to serve the community.”
Mr Cutting says his focus is on “ensuring that facilities and services across the Mackay Region provide safe, sustainable and liveable communities, where social amenities are provided for all”.
Peter Freeleagus
Peter Freeleagus has prior experience not only as a councillor, but as the mayor of a community.
Prior to amalgamation with Isaac, Mr Freeleagus was the deputy mayor and mayor of the Belyando Shire Council.
Once the shire was consolidated into Isaac, he joined the regional council.
“The time had come to move over the range.” Mr Freeleagus said this week
“I just love Mackay.”
A candidate with extensive experience in public service, he’s coming to this role with a key focus.
“That vision would be Paget,” he said
“It was a cane paddock many years ago.
“Today it is a diverse place that services a great industry over the range.
“If we’re looking for more people to come to the region, it’s going to be Paget which holds the key.”
With more than 20 years in councils, five years as mayor under his belt and decades of experience in the Central Queensland mining industry, Mr Freeleagus wants to use his knowledge to help achieve Mr Williamson’s goals of growth.
“We need to let state government know that this is where we’re going to grow.”
Councillor Michelle Green
The only returning councillor from Mr Williamson’s former team, Michelle Green was first elected in the 2020 election.
Recently returned to Mackay, Ms Green’s political career began on the Muswellbrook council in 2016 in NSW.
She returned to Mackay to raise her family in the northern beaches and has been serving the community since as a councillor.
A staunch supporter of Mr Williamson’s growth and development policies, she aims to “promote economic diversity” in the region.
Ash-Lee Johnson
Hoping to represent younger voters, 30-year-old mum Ash-Lee Johnson wants to improve age diversity on the council.
“The council needs age diversity, currently it does not have that,” she said.
Mrs Johnson has worked with the Mackay Regional Council for the past nine years, particularly in financial management.
Her portfolio has encompassed accounting, revenue and treasury matters, including the council's investment portfolio.
“I’m really looking forward to progressing on the current project list and thinking about how we can grow the community and promote the region.”
Joshua Thornton
Joshua Thornton, a 34-year-old father and union organiser for the Australian Manufacturers Workers Union, also seeks to bring a younger perspective to the council.
“I’m very passionate about the region because my young family moved up here and we’ve really taken to it,” Mr Thornton said.
“We want to make sure that we have a sustainable regional focus, particularly for the Northern Beaches community.
“That’s our fastest growing area and it’s where I’m lucky enough to live.
“I’ve got a young family with my partner, and we really want to make sure those interests are represented at a council level.”
Mr Thornton is looking to focus on the development of the Northern Beaches Community hub and has emphasised its importance to families and children of that community.
He wants to see the region grow and improve the liveability for families.
Neil Wallace
Neil Wallace is hoping to become a new member of the Mackay Regional Council after 40 years working in the insurance industry.
Mr Wallace previously served his community through his role at the Kutta Mulla Gorrina Special Assistance School.
He also had a role with the Rotary Club of Mackay North’s Youth Driver Awareness program and wants to focus on making “sustainable change at a community level”.
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