Faces of the new council table at Rockhampton Regional Council for 2024
There are a couple of new councillors at the table this term. See who they all are and what their plans for the next four years will be
Rockhampton
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There will be two new councillors at the Rockhampton Regional Council table this year as only one incumbent councillor was unsuccessful in her re-election and another retired.
Mayor Tony Williams was also successful in his re-election, taking out a strong lead in front of his sole opponent, Mount Morgan man Brett Williams.
Rockhampton Regional Council is split into seven divisions, allowing for each of the councillors to represent an area, with an average of about 8,000 residents in each.
Of the seven divisions, four were unopposed this election and the incumbent councillors were automatically re-elected.
Across the state, 15 mayors and 47 councillors ran unopposed.
Gladstone Regional Council Mayor Matt Burnett and Banana Shire Council Mayor Nev Ferrier were both unopposed.
The unopposed Rockhampton region councillors included Shane Latcham in Division 1, Grant Mathers in Division 3, Cherie Rutherford in Division 5 and Drew Wickerson in Division 6.
Division 7 councillor Donna Kirkland was the only councillor to not run again, after turning her hands to state politics.
She is among 111 elected councillors across the state who retired this election.
Her position will be filled by P & C president Marika Taylor who hopes to focus on communities, family and progress.
A tight race was held between incumbent councillor of 16 years combined, Neil Fisher, and newcomer Elliot Hilse in Division 2.
Mr Fisher, who held the Deputy Mayor position for the last council term, came out on top.
Ellen Smith was the only one to lose her position and former council worker Edward Oram will take up Division 4.
In the 2020 election, she had been unopposed.
Ms Smith was first elected to local government before amalgamation, serving on the Fitzroy Shire Council between 2000 to 2008 and on Rockhampton Regional Council from 2012 to 2024.
In the most recent term she had held the chair of infrastructure portfolio for a couple of years and was on the planning and regulatory portfolio for a decade.
With her division covering the areas of Stanwell, Kabra, Gracemere and Bouldercombe, albeit with some boundary changes over the years, she has strongly advocated for funding for the rural areas in her term.
As Gracemere has grown in the decades, she fought for projects in the town, and since 2012, $55 million had been spent on works at Cedric Archer Park, Touch of Paradise, a new library, cemetery upgrades, water and sewerage, road upgrades to the Gracemere Industrial Park, bitumen sealing in west Gracemere, a new bridge on Johnson Road and Scrubby Creek and a new waste transfer station.
She also fought for water and bitumen sealing for the outlying areas on the outskirts of Gracemere along with kilometres of footpaths.
“I’m going to miss all the rural people and going to all the Rural Ratepayers Associations meeting at Wycarbah, Bouldercombe and Bajool and keeping on their rural roads,” Ms Smith said.
While it hasn’t quite gotten there and it is a state issue, she has always fought for a high school for Gracemere and even did last week when the Community Cabinet was held in Rockhampton and she spoke to the Queensland education minister.
“Hopefully it’s going to happen in the future,” she said.
“It has been canvassed for the last 35 years and there have been a lot of people before me that advocated for it.”
She thanked the public for their support over the past 12 years and the other councillors for their friendship and collaboration.
“I think there are great things in the future for the council; they have always worked well together and that makes us work well with the state and federal governments to achieve the best outcome,” Ms Smith said.
Now with some more time up her sleeve, Ms Smith said she hopes to do some gardening and work on her property which has been “sadly neglected” during her time as councillor, and potentially do some part-time work in disability respite care while going into semi-retirement.
However, with the Rockhampton Agricultural Show coming up in June, she will still be busy in her role as the chair of the horse committee.
MAYOR TONY WILLIAMS
2024 enrolment: 59,202
Rockhampton’s re-elected mayor, Tony Williams, can now add a feather to one of the caps in the collection he first started when he was voted in at the 2021 by-election after his predecessor Margaret Strelow stood down.
The passionate Penriths’ supporter and avid fisherman has caught five head-turners, including hats from the Rockynats, AFS Men’s Shed and Legacy Centenary Torch Relay 2023.
A proud grandfather, Mr Williams roots go deep in the community as a former meatworker who has gone on to represent locals as either councillor, deputy mayor and then mayor, since he was first elected 20 years ago.
After leaving the meatworks he made a unique career pivot, studying a typing and a computer course.
Mr Williams received 67.55 per cent of the vote at this election, with 31,297 votes compared to his challenger Brett Williams’ polled 15,017.
He was first voted in against 16 other candidates at the 2021 the by-election, winning by 4,128 votes.
Mr Williams said he was humbled by his re-election.
The key areas Mr Williams said he would like to focus on this council term were housing, water security and continuing work on new sports precincts in the region.
He also noted they need to keep pressure up with the governments to fund projects, particularly with the state election coming later this year.
“There is major growth that is going to be experienced in the region in the next decade,” Mr Williams said.
“We have to make sure we have industrial land available and housing.
“When they come off, we are going to need to keep up momentum and not have a boom and bust cycle.
“There are few big projects coming up and we need to make sure we support them through Advance Rockhampton and council.”
DIVISION 1: SHANE LATCHAM (UNCONTESTED)
Parkhurst, Norman Gardens and Limestone Creek
2024 enrolment: 7,827
Shane Latcham has been re-elected for his second term, following his first term from 2020-2024.
“I think it’s reassuring, it’s a vote of confidence in the last four years,” he said.
“(The residents) appreciate that I work hard for the region.
Mr Latcham previously served as the waste and recycling chair and said he would like to continue to do so in the next term.
“It’s something I have a strong interest in and there is a lot playing in that space,” he said.
“It’s going to be very important for the council over the next couple of years to get right.”
With no waiting around for voting results, Mr Latcham said it is business as usual for him.
“It’s about working as part of a team with all of the other councillors, continuing on those great relationships to share on the common vision by council,” he said.
“Happy to continue under the great leadership of Tony.
“I believe it’s going to be a great four years, a lot of opportunities for the mayor and councillor to deliver some really great things for the regions.”
Some exciting projects in the pipeline include the literal $88 Mount Morgan pipeline and the North Rockhampton Sports Precinct.
Mr Latcham is also strongly advocating for Norman Road in Norman Gardens to link up with Norman Road in Parkhurst, behind the Department of Primary Industries building.
“It will happen one day, I would like to see it sooner rather than later, development in Parkhurst will trigger that,” he said.
A project Mr Latcham is very excited about is a new playground is expected to start construction in October later this year for Cascade Gardens off Springfield Drive a project.
It has been in the budget for the past two years.
“The residents have been loudly crying out for one for years, they need it down that end at Crestwood, they are very small blocks,” he said.
While he waits for the council to kick back in, Mr Latcham has been hosting community catch up at the Drakes IGA every Wednesday.
“Anyone come down and have a chat,” he said.
“It’s important to find out what the community is thinking.”
DIVISION 2: NEIL FISHER
Frenchville, Koongal, Mount Archer, parts of Berserker and southern part of Norman Gardens
2024 enrolment: 8, 020
Neil Fisher has retained his Division 2 councillor role, by a small margin against labourer Elliot Hilse.
Mr Fisher has been a councillor since the new council was formed after de-amalgamation in 2012 and had served one term on Rockhampton City Council in 2000.
“I am ready to roll up the sleeves and get back to work,” he said.
“I’m really proud to be back in the camp and work for what is best for the ratepayers of Rockhampton.
“There are still a number of projects that I have been working on for the last two to three terms that I would like to see.”
The airport is a real passion of Mr Fisher’s and he said there are many exciting things happening in that space in the next couple of years.
“We have seen Rockhampton Airport go from a small unexciting airport in a regional centre to now one of the most dynamic regional airports in the country,” he said.
Within the division, he said there are a number of walkways that need to be completed, at least another stage of Pilbeam Drive, as well as the next stage on Mount Archer.
“We have got something special up at Mount Archer but now it just needs that bit more, even picnic areas,” he said.
Popular dog walking area Duthie Park is also really well used by dog owners and the Rockhampton Dog Obedience Club, but it also needs facilities and seating, he said.
This past term, Mr Fisher has served as deputy mayor, under both Margaret Strelow and Tony Williams.
“I had the honour of serving two mayors during my term, both of them I have the highest of regard for, they work hard for the communities and that inspires you to work harder,” he said.
Mr Fisher also devotes a lot of his time on LAWMAC, a not-for-profit association representing the regional areas of Central and Northern Queensland in waste management, of which he is also chair.
“For the first time we have a regional body that is meeting with the minister that is actually contributing to legislation, they are coming to us, usually we get legislation and we have to work with us but they are bringing it us first and that is a real credit to the LAWMAC executives,” he said.
DIVISION 3: GRANT MATHERS (UNCONTESTED)
Park Avenue, Koongal, Berserker and Lakes Creek
2024 enrolment: 8,056
Grant Mathers was elected in March 2021 in a by-election.
He filled Tony Williams’ position as Division 3 councillor, which he left to take up mayoralty after former mayor Margaret Strelow resigned.
He is the brother of councillor Cherie Rutherford, who has been uncontested and is now in her fifth council term.
With three years of experience now under his belt, Mr Mathers is feeling a lot more confident and is up for the challenge.
“I’m really excited for this next term, the last three years have been a learning curve for me, how to find my way through the bureaucracy and finding the best way to make things happen,” he said.
“So I am lucky enough to have that experience and I will be a lot more quicker and efficient councillor this term, I know a lot more than what I did three years ago.”
Changing polices and procedures is forefront for Mr Mathers.
“Just changes how we could operate more efficiently,” he said.
“I want to make it easier for developers to develop in Rockhampton, I don’t want council to be a roadblock, I want us to have welcome arms, but don’t get me wrong it has to be the right development, a smart development.”
Getting back to basics is also needed, he said.
“Making sure that we are delivering the basics people expect for rates they pay, parks being mowed regularly, drainage, roads, water, sewerage, all the boring stuff, we have to make sure we are delivering that,” Mr Mathers said.
Some projects he is proud of and reflected upon include the Mount Morgan pipeline.
“That was hard work but that is going to make a huge difference to the community,” he said.
“The master plan for the sports precinct, that’s going to be really good for Rockhampton with tourism and sport.
“Being involved in helping with Rockynats, even though it’s a very costly event, it’s really good for our region.”
In his role as chair of the planning and regulation committee he has worked to remove red tape and made it easier for people to make complaints about barking dogs and local laws.
He is eager to work with the new team and see what portfolios they have an interest in.
“I think it’s important when it comes to portfolios we choose them based on experiences we have and talents and abilities and dovetail to what’s needed within the portfolio,” Mr Mathers said.
With two new councillors at the table and a number serving their second term, there are some “fresh eyes” coming through, Mr Mathers said.
“It’s really disappointing to see Ellen go, she was a really hard working lady, no disrespect to Ed either, he ran a good camagin,” Mr Mathers said.
“I am excited there are some people around the table, that is going to change the whole dynamic.”
DIVISION 4: EDWARD ORAM
Gracemere and Bouldercombe
2024 enrolment: 9,213
Edward Oram will serve his first term as councillor, pushing out Ellen Smith.
Mr Oram is a local to the area, growing up in Pink Lily and many would know his last name from parents who were part owners of Fitzroy Nurseries.
In his working career he is the owner and operator of vegetation management small business Gotcha Covered Agriculture Services and worked for council for more than 10 years in cemeteries, parks and gardens.
During his election campaign, he spoke about some of the biggest issues in council he would like to address.
“Our community facilities need better opening hours, the pool, library, dump,” he said.
“Our open spaces don’t have enough facilities, shade over equipment, water and disability accessible equipment.
“Better level of service through our parks and open spaces, mowing and maintenance.
“I’d like to try and achieve some better infrastructure through our division, better drainage, water, more footpaths.”
He also noted a crime issue across the division that he believes could be addressed with a greater police presence.
“I would like to address the anti-social behaviour that is being experienced in our neighbourhoods through greater community engagement and activities for our young people,” Mr Oram said.
As always, the fight for a high school for Gracemere ensues and Mr Oram is keen to lobby for it.
“Our secondary students are required to travel on crowded buses to get to school
every day in Rockhampton,” he said.
“I will advocate strongly for a high school in our division as the growth that the community has experienced over the last 10 years has been enormous.”
Public transportation is also something he would like to get involved in.
“During the week is okay but for people who want to go anywhere on the weekend, it is impossible after 3pm for Bouldercombe residents and 3.15pm for Gracemere residents on a Saturday,” he said.
“Nearly all community events are Rockhampton based, it’s difficult for our community to enjoy them or utilise without having their own transport.
“More opportunities for our residents to catch public transport will mean that they can join in with community activities in the same way that Rockhampton residents can.
“Many of our residents also work in Rockhampton.
“Our young people who have not yet gotten their licences are limited by when and where they can work on a weekend if they can’t catch public transport.
“Safe and reliable public transport will open up employment opportunities for our residents and it also means that there are less cars on the roads which can only be a good thing.”
As of March 21, 82 per cent of the votes had been counted for the division in the official first preference count with Mr Oram in the lead by 689 votes.
“While currently it’s unofficial, I am quietly confident and if elected I can’t start wait looking after my division and Rockhampton region as a whole,” Mr Oram said.
DIVISION 5: CHERIE RUTHERFORD (UNCONTESTED)
Mount Morgan, Gogango, Westwood, Stanwell, Kabra, Alton Downs, Ridgelands and other small rural towns on the outskirts
2024: 9,140
Cherie Rutherford was elected at the same time as now-Mayor Tony Williams in 2004, notching up 20 years as a councillor and now going into her fifth council term.
During this time she has been deputy mayor to Margaret Strelow from 2016 to 2020 and has held the chair of Parks, Sport and Public Spaces.
“I’m excited again to step into a new term and continue to work with our community,” she said.
Reflecting on the last term, like many other councillors and the mayor, securing funding and starting the Mount Morgan pipeline was a standout for Ms Rutherford, but also because her division represents Mount Morgan.
“To see the pipes actually be laid in the ground was an amazing thing, we are actually changing the future for a community here,” she said.
“I am really looking forward to seeing that completed.”
The announcement of the new home for Rockhampton netball is something Ms Rutherford has been working on for years, along with the multi-sports precinct, and is eager to see it come to fruition.
The zoo is also a pet project, with all the upgrades happening there, and now look to work on the dome aviary.
“Make sure we bring that to life again and the continued masterplan for the Botanic Gardens, and the master plans for the Ski Gardens, The Common precinct and showgrounds,” Ms Rutherford said.
“Talking to people throughout this election I think there is still a lot of work to do on our efficiency and service period,” she said.
And with a few council budgets under her belt now, she said it is a tight one again.
“Everyone is feeling the pinch, so we need to look at how we do things better, how do we keep that service standard up,” she said.
Unopposed for this election, it was a very quiet one for Ms Rutherford.
“It was very surreal, I never expected for a minute I would be unopposed,” she said.
Division 5 takes in all of the rural areas from Fletcher Creek to Mount Morgan, Bouldercombe, Struck Oil, Karba, Kalapa, Westwood, Gogango, Wycarbah, Mornish, Glenroy, Garnant, South Yaamba, Ridgelands, Alton Downs, Nine Mile, Dalma, Pink Lily, Bushley and Stanwell.
“I have a very diverse division geographically,” she said.
“Every person within that division feels that they would like to have someone local.
“It didn’t happen, another person running, and it doesn’t change the fact that I am still keen, excited and honoured to be doing this role, I take it very seriously, I am ready to hit the ground running.”
DIVISION 6: DREW WICKERSON (UNCONTESTED)
Marmor, Bajool, Midgee, Port Curtis, Port Alma, Fairy Bower, The Range, Allenstown and Rockhampton City
2024 enrolment: 8,940
Drew Wickerson is back for his third term as Division 6 councillor after he was unopposed this term.
Looking ahead, he thinks it will be a “fantastic” term.
“I can’t wait for the next four years,” he said.
“We have some new councillors coming in and I welcome them on board.
“I think with the team we have got, the leadership team, the CEO, the leaders, all working in the same direction and passion.”
He noted that the council has some “huge opportunities and challenges” ahead.
“As always, cost of living, infrastructure, roads, steel, concrete, everything … councils are no different to households, we have to find the money in the budget to make it work and we have to keep rates at a reasonable level.
“We can’t not do some things, there are projects and services we must do, we have to work out the balance of getting the mix right.
In the previous term, Mr Wickerson held the chair of the communities and heritage, which he would like to continue to do.
“I love it, we have got a lot of elements that make up communities from childcare, library, art galleries, theatre, museum and cemeteries,” he said.
“Every one of those things is important and we have great people that work in them and I want to match their passion.”
The Heritage Village is something that has room for massive improvements, Mr Wickerson said.
“I think it’s got huge opportunities but also huge cost, it could be a lot better than it is, be more interactive and engaging,” he said.
He is also lobbying to add culture into the portfolio.
“I want the council to have improved relations with all of our First Nations, we have good relations now but everything that can be improved,” he said.
He ended by adding that the environment and other sources of energy is something council and every level of government needs to keep an eye on for sustainability in the future.
DIVISION 7: MARIKA TAYLOR
Park Avenue, Kawana and Parkhurst
2024 enrolment: 8, 006
Marika Taylor is feeling “positive and excited” about her successful election to the council table.
“I am really looking forward to getting in and doing things for Division 7 and the Rockhampton Regional Council,” she said.
As of 2.30pm on March 20, Ms Taylor was in the lead by 2,115 votes.
Her opponents were David Bond, Will Field and Jamie Scott, all who were newcomer candidates to a council election.
“It was a bit of a surprise to see that margin, I am just glad the hard work and the support from the team paid off,” she said.
“I do want to thank everyone who supported me, the people who voted, the family and friends, everyone who made this possible.
“I commend the other candidates on a clean and fair campaign and I wish them all the best.”
A main theme from constituents was they would like a bit more communication from council and to be more informed, which Ms Taylor said she will strive to do and be a voice for the people.
The official declaration is yet finalised as final and postal voting is yet to come through.
The next steps from here will be getting through the induction process and learning the ropes, Ms Taylor said.
“Absorbing the knowledge from the existing councillors, mayor and CEO,” she said.
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