Your last chance to get to know Isaac candidates

Not sure who to vote for? Get to know the candidates fighting for your vote for Isaac Regional Council

The Isaac Regional Council candidates for the 2020 election are Vivienne Coleman, top left, Jennifer Ennis, Karen Hindle, Sandy Moffat, bottom left, and Nick Wheeler.

WITH so many unknowns in Isaac’s future, strong, competent leadership over the next four years is crucial.

Months of work by the five candidates to win over Isaac region voters will come down to Saturday’s poll.

With only two seats being contested, the makeup of Isaac Regional Council be decided by about 3000 voters across divisions two and eight.

For demcracy to flourish, even in these scary times, it is important voters are informed when complete their ballots.

The Daily Mercury has reached out to all Isaac candidates, asking why they should be elected as a councillor and what is driving them in this election.

(Candidates are listed alphabetically).

St Lawrence resident Vivienne Coleman is contesting the division eight seat on Isaac Regional Council.

Vivienne Coleman

Division Eight- Independent

Age: 42

Town: St Lawrence

Career: Small business owner in construction and agriculture

Wanting to become your councillor for division eight comes from seeing the need for a commitment towards our communities for a strong clear voice, helping to support and grow our slowing towns, advocating for better phone and internet services, water and waste charges, rate value, accessible roads and floodways, town planning, business red tape and upgrades to council facilities.

I do believe that at the end of the day business sense, budgeting and financial planning is important to any elected position, but the foundations of compassion, communication, respect, hard work, being true to yourself and following through with your word are qualities that I can bring if voted as your councillor. Everything I have ever done for the community has always been because I have wanted to help, I need support from division eight to do this now in an official capacity.

Nebo resident Jennifer Ennis is contesting the division eight seat on Isaac Regional Council in the 2020 election.

Jennifer Ennis

Division Eight – Independent

Age: 39

Town: Nebo

Career: Community Relations Officer, Isaac Regional Council

My motivation to be your Isaac Region division eight councillor is to make a positive difference to create a better lifestyle for all of us. I am approachable, analytical and understand local issues. I have worked in Local Government for two years. I have strong working relationships and an in-depth understanding of council process and how to best navigate the system to push for positive community outcomes. I need your vote of confidence so I can become your councillor to enable me to address important issues such as:

•Road infrastructure upgrades

•Health service provision to coastal communities

•Community facilities upgrades in Nebo

•Business support services

•Local workforce, limit FIFO

•Dog parks

•Fair prices on rates, water and waste

•Promote tourism

•Support community groups and events

•Communication improvements between council, business and community

•Support sustainable development

•Advocate for State and Federal funding

•Finding local solutions through collaboration with each community

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Carmila Beach resident Karen Hindle is running for the division eight seat on Isaac Regional Council.

Karen Hindle

Division Eight – Independent

Age: 58

Town: Carmila

Career: Professional photographer

I decided to run for division eight, Isaac Regional Council, so I can give back to my community.

It is a decision I have not made lightly. I love Carmila Beach and I love the community.

I have the full support of my husband, David, and family and I know I have the skill set and life experiences to represent division eight.

This is my opportunity to continue to give back by enhancing the quality of life and community through the dedicated and efficient management of our resources.

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Dysart resident and Java Joes coffee house owner Sandy Moffat is challenging the division two seat of Isaac Regional Council.

Sandy Moffat

Division Two – Independent

Age: 51

Town: I’ve lived in Dysart for 9 years

Career: I’ve owned and operated Java Joes & JJs Pizza for 7 years

I decided to run for council because I felt our voices were not being heard by those who needed to hear them. I felt that our community was often overlooked and forgotten and we had no one to really stand up and say “what about us”. I want to re-engage our community and make it a place people are proud to call home. I want to take us into the future and encourage stability and development so we’re not stuck in old thinking. Being not only a ratepayer and small business owner, but also being involved in various community groups has given me a grassroots understanding of what our community can become.

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Dysart resident Nick Wheeler is campaigning to retain his division two seat on Isaac Regional Council.

Nick Wheeler

Division Two – Independent

Age: Did not want to disclose

Town: Dysart

Career: Ex-miner

I have been your local councillor for the past seven years. Being elected to council has been a humbling experience and without the Dysart support I couldn’t have achieved as much as I have on council.

I have been instrumental in lobbying and been part of many projects in the town of Dysart.

These projects have had a major impact on the town.

I am part of a very progressive council that has returned a discipline budget for all the residents of Isaac, with the lowest rates increase of many councils in Queensland.

I have been a strong advocate for the use of local business, with the Local Buy Program so that Dysart receives its fair share of opportunities.

I have lived in this town for the past 42 years. This is my community and my town, which I love being a part of.

There is still so much more to be achieved, so I am asking for your support in this upcoming council election.

If elected, you can be sure of good representation for the town of Dysart and the Isaac region.

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