Livingstone Shire Council election: Meet the candidates
A seat at the Livingstone Shire Council table is hotly contested, with 16 people throwing their hats into the ring to represent locals living in the region.
Rockhampton
Don't miss out on the headlines from Rockhampton. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The seats at the Livingstone Shire Council table are hotly contested this election, with 16 people throwing their hats into the ring to represent locals living in the region.
Two new names, Grantley Jack and Kelvin Appleton, will also go up against the incumbent mayor Andrew Ireland and Deputy Mayor Adam Belot in the mayoral race.
Election day will be held on Saturday, March 16.
There are six councillor positions and no divisions in Livingstone Shire Council.
*This list has been written as per the candidate nominations list on the Electoral Commission Queensland website.
KRISTAN CASUSCELLI
The owner of Baked On 44 and father-of-two Kristan Casuscelli appears first on Livingstone Shire Council councillor nominations.
The 38-year-old described himself as self-driven, very motivated, family man, entrepreneurial with a no-nonsense attitude.
After growing up in The Blue Mountains, he moved to the Capricorn Coast nine years ago.
He would like to help bring Yeppoon into the “limelight of the top tourist attractions in Queensland” and be an advocate for growth in the community.
Small business, young families and the cost of living are the biggest issues in the shire in Mr Casuscelli’s opinion.
“Taking a stand for the future of our young and helping to capitalise on our beautiful area for the rest to prosper,” he said.
“Wanting to make a footprint in the future growth and giving a new purpose to my life.
“Giving back to a community that has given me so much.”
GLENDA MATHER
With more than 30 years’ experience working on local council at both Livingstone Shire and Rockhampton Regional Council, Glenda Mather is throwing her hat in the ring to secure her position at the council table.
Ms Mather first became a councillor for Livingstone Shire Council in 1988 where she served until 2000.
After a term out of office she returned as a councillor from 2004–2008 before being elected to Rockhampton Regional Council in 2008 and 2012.
She is described as a “believer in strong financial control, a fair rating system, strategic land management, nurturing business acumen, addressing youth employment and establishing environmental awareness in our community”.
Her vision for council is for it to be “clean, green and growing, with a flourishing tourist trade”.
RHODES WATSON
Rhode Watson, 53, was sworn in as councillor March 2021 after Tanya Lynch resigned following 12 months in the job.
The Kinka Beach man was the runner-up in the 2020 election with 8.07 per cent of the votes and Ms Lynch received 8.19 per cent.
He is now running to secure his position.
“I will continue working with our community,” he said.
His current passion projects are the centenary of the Emu Park Jetty and the rail trail to Cawarral.
He also attends the Yeppoon community markets every second weekend.
“This allows me to be a middle person to find information for people to help them decide on which path to follow with council issues,” he said.
“We need to create a blueprint for each town with the community to help shape our towns. “They are all different.”
Mr Watson said said he has been described by friends as a workaholic who never stops thinking.
“I think outside the box. I like to find solutions to problems,” he said.
“When I start a project I finish it. This week a charity I started (called) Food Relief Capricorn Coast celebrated five years.”
Lack of housing, youth crime, cost of living and low employment rates are the biggest issues in the area, Mr Watson said.
“We have to improve employment opportunities and turn as much casual employment into part-time/full-time employment to give people a future,” he said.
“There are too many in the shire who are underemployed.
“We need sustainable industry.”
All in all, he wishes the new council table the best.
“Everyone has different ways to achieve goals,” he said.
“I hope the new council has councillors who will work together to improve the shires’ wellbeing and future in a sustainable way.”
CLINT SWADLING
Clint Swadling was elected as councillor in April 2023 to replace Nigel Hutton who announced he was retiring from council.
Mr Hutton has since been announced as the LNP candidate for Keppel in the October state election.
Serving on the council for just shy of 12 months, Mr Swadling wants to continue to lead the whole Livingstone community to a “a better and stronger economic future” with a focus on sustainability.
“My vision for our community is to make it the best place to live, work, raise a family, retire and invest,” he said.
“We must ensure we continue to deliver strong and responsible, appropriate, financial decision making and not fall back to the past councils of high debt, irresponsible spending, shoot from the hip decision making and policy on the run with no vision for our future.”
His top areas of priorities are sustainable living costs, future growth, crime, tourism, health services, small business opportunities and Great Keppel Island.
“I am focused on all our community and its peoples across the region, in particular our northern corridor which is where our next future growth will be,” Mr Swadling said.
A resident of the rural area Kunwarara for the past 20 years, prior to this Mr Swadling lived in Kinka Beach and Milman and grew up in Rockhampton.
He has had a varied career, from a Australian Defence Force veteran, three years in nursing, corrective services and in emergency management and local government.
In his time as councillor, Mr Swadling has served as the portfolio holder of development, planning and infrastructure, overseeing 800 development approvals within the shire.
He has also been the chair of the Australia Day Citizens Awards, which he described as a “a huge honour and privilege”, along with being a Reef Guardian Champion for the shire.
WADE ROTHERY
Failed One Nation candidate for Wade Rothery is hoping his bid for councillor brings a different outcome.
Mr Rothery is married with four children, has worked in the coal industry as an underground miner for more than 10 years and has been part of the Mines Rescue Team for six years.
After graduating from North Rockhampton High School, Mr Rothery went on the play professional football with the Brisbane Broncos before moving to the Balmain Tigers.
He continued his footy career at the CQ Comets for 12 years.
In 2017, he was announced as One Nation’s candidate for the seat of Rockhampton (losing by 3164 votes) and finished third in Capricornia in the 2019 federal election and 2020 state election, when he ran for Keppel after relocating to Yeppoon.
Mr Rothery believes Livingstone Shire needs to change “forever increasing water, our very high rates, the standard of our roads, beach access and the embarrassing conditions of our parks and pathways”.
He also believes there is a strong demand for a youth centre on the Capricorn Coast and stated on social media that “regardless if elected or not, l will be a vocal advocate to ensure one of these centres are developed”.
TRISH BOWMAN
Journalist Trish Bowman is swapping her notebook and camera to run for a seat at the council table.
After contemplating the idea for more than a decade, she thought now was the perfect time to give it a go with her three children now adults.
“With over 16 years’ experience in local community journalism, a long history of community engagement along with training in business management, I have the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of local government and effect meaningful change,” Ms Bowman said.
“I have deep roots in our community and a strong understanding of our unique needs and challenges.”
Ms Bowman said she has witnessed firsthand the changes in the council and region and understands the challenges the community has and will face in the future.
“Passionate about our diverse region and the communities which extend from the beach to the bush, I love and value everything that makes our shire unique and the abundant opportunities we can unlock with a positive proactive council,” she said.
“The new council has an opportunity to build on what we have to make our community stronger and more resilient, and I would like to be part of the team to further that progress and vision.”
Ms Bowman some of the greatest assets are the region’s pristine natural environments and biodiversity and they need to be proactively protected.
“Our new council needs to work hard to achieve sustainable economic development, support and promote tourism and local business, look after our primary production industry, continue to improve our infrastructure, support our thriving arts community and ensure we create more opportunity for our youth while not forgetting our seniors and other residents’ needs and desires,” she said.
“There are many areas where our region needs to grow and improve and it is imperative we have a council who will communicate with the community, truly listen and make the right decisions for the integrity of our shire for both now and into the future.
“If elected as a councillor, I will champion our community and everything that makes it such a fabulous place to live working collaboratively with my fellow councillors to achieve the best outcomes possible with transparency, communication and accountability.”
PAUL MITCHELL
Paul Mitchell’s nomination to run for council was inspired by his desire to be a voice for the people.
“I want residents to feel like they have a voice and are heard and are genuinely involved in the decision making about their community,” he said.
“I am committed to being their voice in council.
“I want everyone to feel included and part of a great region to live in.”
Mr Mitchell, 51, works in a full-time role as Bike Shed Coordinator, delivering youth crime prevention programs to young people.
He and his wife have three children and he has lived in the region for the past 15 years.
“I’m a dedicated community volunteer, annually donating hundreds of presents to families in need at Christmas.
“I have a strong work ethic and commitment to the community.
“My family enjoy spending our time in the region, whether fishing, swimming at beaches, or camping at The Caves.”
After speaking with residents in the region, Mr Mitchell said the biggest issues he has had feedback on are increased rates, poorly maintained local roads, beach access issues, disability and accessible community facilities, and some areas of the region feel neglected of services and recognition.
To address this, Mr Mitchell said if elected he will be “approachable and accessible to residents and listen to everyone’s concerns”.
“I will be transparent and provide access to information about decisions, policies, and finances.
“I will work collaboratively with the council and key stakeholders but will also speak up when I need to and advocate for the community.”
JILLIAN NEYLAND
Jillian Neyland juggles many hats.
A science and mathematics teacher by trade, she is currently working in the tourism/outdoor recreation industry and at a high school, while volunteering and also parenting as a busy mum of four school aged children.
“I care deeply about the people and world around me and have an optimistic outlook on life,” she said when describing herself.
“I am a skilled organiser, communicator and problem-solver and use my knowledge, skills and energy to make positive contributions to my community.”
If elected, Ms Neyland pledges to be an “approachable, productive and passionate member working for the community, offering feedback and insights, impartial advice and providing general oversight to our local government service”.
“I enjoy reaching out to people and would hope that my presence would especially give a voice to young families, young people, rural people and vulnerable people,” she said.
“I tend to work with big goals in mind, but can pay a lot of attention to small incremental details and like to just chip away at projects until they are realised.”
Rapid population growth is front of mind for Ms Neyland.
“Especially concentrated in the major towns of Livingstone shire, (growth) is putting unprecedented pressure on our infrastructure, services, systems and environment,” she said.
“Tighter household budgets means that every resident is feeling, at best, frustrated by a perceived lack of value for money in terms of rates and other charges.”
She also has concerns around the impacts on the region’s precious natural areas and rural townships that feel left out.
“I love where I live, and believe that I would be an effective and productive leader,” she said.
“Everyone wants to make a contribution and leave a positive legacy within their lifetime, and I feel that I can do good work in the local government space.
“I draw inspiration from the fact that decisions made now will impact my own children’s future.
“I have reached a point in my life where I believe I have enough know-how to hold a public leadership position that shapes our collective future for the better, but I am still humble enough to know that I can learn a lot from listening to members of our community.”
HELEN SCHWEIKERT
Finance broker and real estate agent Helen Schweikert, 55, would like to use her finance and banking background to assist in producing a budget for the areas that are neglected and find ways to reduce other costs.
“Road maintenance budgets and water/ rate costs need to be reviewed first,” she said about the biggest issues.
“A table that doesn’t work together as a team productively so that we can be progressive and cost effective with a balanced approach for the future growth of our region.”
After growing up in the Lockyer Valley on a farm, Ms Schweikert has been in Yeppoon for more than 35 years.
As a quirky aside, she won the 2015 Yeppoon Coast Guard fishing competition for the biggest snapper, 6.2kg gutted and gilled, on her birthday.
Ms Schweikert said she likes to take a collaborative approach and is a good listener.
“I am happy to discuss solutions for all the issues as they arise,” she said.
“I thrive on being busy and love helping people and contributing to the Community in as many ways as possible.
“Being a busy business owner, I am super efficient and like to make things happen in a timely manner.”
LANCE WARCON
The pastor of 360 Church in Rockhampton and Yeppoon, Lance Warcon, 46, has lived in Yeppoon for the past 13 years, after growing up in Mackay, Katherine and Brisbane.
With Darumbal and South Sea Island descent, Mr Warcon hopes to bring cultural diversity to the council table.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up 5.4 per cent of Livingstone’s population,” he said.
“Our First Nations people need to be represented and the council table needs to be balanced to keep up with changing times.
“There must be a healthy bridge between the local council and traditional owners for a variety of decision making and healthy collaboration.
“I can bridge the gap in this area that no other councillor or mayor can offer.
“I am not only from the people, but I am for the people. I have and always will champion the best interests of the community above our own interests or reputations.”
Mr Warcon also has a seat on the Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreement (TUMRA), which is involved in the management of the southern Great Barrier Reef.
“The knowledge and experience in this position is invaluable and would serve our community well because of the understanding I bring between the relationship of land and sea,” he said.
In terms of the biggest issues the shire faces, Mr Warcon started with the “rising cost of water”.
“There are some people in our shire who simply can’t pay their water bill,” he said.
He also noted unkempt grass on council maintained areas, roads that are not maintained and are now becoming a safety issue for residents and beach access for vehicles versus noise complaints and environmental impacts.
BRETT SVENDSEN
Former councillor for Livingstone Shire Brett Svendsen is once again vying for a spot at the council table.
Born in Yeppoon and having lived in Emu Park most of his life Mr Svendsen has previously served on the Livingstone and Rockhampton councils.
Mr Svendsen last ran for council in 2016 where he said his main reason for running was because there wasn’t enough attention on the Emu Park end of the coast.
ANDREA FRIEND
Andrea Friend was elected in the 2020 election and has pledged, like she did at that election, to “work for you”.
“As a ratepayer myself, and in the past, I had always wanted to know how councillors in local government are held accountable,” she said.
“Residing in Yeppoon Central, I have travelled our vast shire with over 28,000km noted.
“I have lodged over 500 councillor requests and delivered for residents, with many more unofficial requests, obtaining outcomes, through meeting with council officers and working with them for this delivery.”
Some issues included, infrastructure, signage, speed reduction, dust suppression, mowing, drainage and neighbourhood disputes.
She described the last four years as councillor and in the portfolio of water, waste and environment as “rewarding and exciting”.
“It has been a privilege to be involved with the expansion of Livingstone’s recycled water network being granted an A rating, potable water winning the best tasting water in Queensland award in 2020 by the Water Industry Operators Association in Australia, the construction of the four-megalitre reservoir in Emu Park, the Solar array constructed at Yeppoon Sewerage Treatment Plant, saving ratepayers approximately $90K per year in electricity costs, and the construction of the Recovery Centre for the Yeppoon Landfill, diverting approximately 25 percent of materials from landfill annually.
“In this council tenure I have been involved with undertaking a complete review of local laws and I’m thrilled, personally, to have had the deregulation of native bees included.”
Among her passions is working with community groups.
“In 2020 I saw a need for a concrete ramp for Sailability, located at the Causeway Lake,” Ms Friend said.
“This group, like so many, give their time to assist those with disability by taking them sailing. For over ten years they had to traverse a gravelled area covered with outdoor carpet. No longer is this the case.
Tree vandalism has also been a “hot topic” for Ms Friend, as at her instigation, signage now appears along the coastline, with hope to create behavioural change and awareness.
PAT EASTWOOD
Pat Eastwood has been a councillor for the past six years.
Mr Eastwood was elected in 2018 at a by-election to fill the vacancy left by Graham Scott.
“I’m running again to be councillor because I can make and will make a difference for the betterment of our shire,” he said.
“I absolutely love the place and have made it home. Whether it’s driving up Farnborough Beach for an early surf, eating in one of our great restaurants or coffee shops or taking a drive up to Byfield or out to Emu Park or like we recently did to Stanage Bay the place has everything.
“I want to make sure that we have good sustainable development while maintaining the charm and beauty. I love the islands and can be found putting my tinnie or jet ski off the beach to venture out to those tropical paradises.
“Nothing looks after itself and I want to make sure that not only do we live in a great place now but that our grandchildren have that experience as well.”
The owner of Capricorn Coast Learn 2 Surf, Mr Eastwood has three adult children with his wife of 40 years, Julie.
Hailing from Hobart, the family moved to the Capricorn Coast 24 years ago as Mr Eastwood took up a position as the chaplain and youth worker at Yeppoon State High School which he did for 19 years.
He has also worked in tourism and hospitality before joining the Tasmania Police and was a senior constable at a one-person station on Bruny Island for many years
Ms Eastwood conceded Livingstone has some “big issues”.
“The cost of water and how we now tier it needs to be addressed,” he said,
“Our rates are still too high and people feel like they’re getting nothing for them.
“When we do the budget we need to really tease this out so we give our ratepayers the best deal possible.”
He further noted the rural road network is huge but it needs a better maintenance schedule and there should be more community meetings.
“Our beach accesses need to be better maintained and we need more grounds people looking after our parks and maintenance,” he said.
“We have to keep pushing for Great Keppel Island and get the infrastructure deserved and promised.”
Mr Eastwood is confident he can make a difference because he has the experience.
“You can see how someone is going to perform by their track record and I have the runs on the board,” he said.
“I have shown responsible level headed governance and have been a thoughtful decision maker who is prepared to get their hands dirty.
“We have paid off a huge $30M off our debt in the last term of council.
“I believe we can slow down a bit on the repayments and invest more into our communities now.
“I don’t go into anything half hearted and will do what I can for Livingstone.”
MIKE DECMAN
Grazier and building consultant Mike Decman is no stranger to council elections having run in the past.
He says rural being left behind a major issue in the shire, lanes all the way from Rockhampton to Yeppoon, Great Keppel Island public jetty and day facilities and rates and water charges need to be transparent and equal.
“(I will be) a reliable and firm advocate for transparent and proper governance and council decision making, having a wealth of large commercial and other business interests and contracts worth millions.
Mr Decman has lived in Rockhampton since 1980 and moved to Yeppoon in 1989, and has had many businesses across the region.
“We currently breed paint horses, guardian donkeys and goat to diversify our cattle interests and I am immediate past chairman of Institute of Building Consultant at Master Builders Queensland for many years.
“I often liaise with homeowners and builders and the QBCC helping with Industry solutions.”
Mr Decman urges the council “needs change”.
“I ran in the last election as a stepping stone here as we have needed changes of councillors with better business ability and national understanding of our local needs on a growing demographic scale,” he said.
CAMERON KINSEY
Cameron Kinsey, a family man who runs a catering business on the Capricorn Coast, has thrown his hat into the ring to run for councillor.
Mr Kinsey is married and has two young children, aged 5 and 11, and has run two small businesses in Livingstone Shire, Whisk Yeppoon and now Creative Cater.
He stated on social media he was running for council for the people of Livingstone Shire, “to be their voice at the table on the decisions that will shape Livingstone today and for the future”.
“The community feels that it doesn’t want to lose its identity as it grows, and it shouldn’t. The Livingstone lifestyle is what we love and when you love something you will always fight for it,” he wrote in a Facebook post.
“I am for more transparency and better communication for all areas of Livingstone, there should not be a region or a resident that thinks their voice is too small, not important enough or simply can’t be heard.
“Livingstone relies on every member of its community, and they can rely on me to stand for every member of Livingstone Shire.”
He believes his experience running two small businesses in the region, as well as managing a large retail store, running surf clubs, and having been in charge of 4.5 star resorts will help him serve the Livingstone Shire as a councillor.
Mr Kinsey also stated on social media he felt the communication between the community and local government could be done better.
BILL LUDWIG
Bill Ludwig spent four terms as mayor before he lost to incumbent mayor Andrew Ireland in 2020.
Over the decades, he has held leadership roles with the Capricorn Coast Tourist Organisation president, Regional Economic Development and Fitzroy Basin Association director, Regional Strategic Planning and Local Disaster Management Group chairman, Local Marine Advisory and Reef Guardian Committees.
“Business skills, life experience and my passion for community involvement equipped me for the important leadership roles I have been privileged to successfully undertake on behalf of our community,” Mr Ludwig said.
Mr Ludwig played a key role in the de-amalgamation from Rockhampton, allowing Livingstone to “take control of its own destiny”.
Following this, Mr Ludwig led the council in securing $150 million in state and federal funding.
“Securing the funding to invest in critical shire-wide road networks, water security, wastewater and recycling management laid a solid infrastructure foundation,” he said.
“While community projects, multi-sports and recreation facilities added to liveability; Emu Park Centenary of Anzac, Foreshore Precinct and Village Centre Revitalisation, along with Yeppoon Foreshore and CBD Rejuvenation, walking and cycleway networks, shire-wide playgrounds and parkland projects are prime examples.
“Multistage economic development projects like Capricorn Coast Homemakers Centre and The Gateway Business and Industry Park are among other major success stories.
“Attracting record levels of private sector business investment, they support the diversity needed for long-term sustainable economic growth and employment generation.”
Mr Ludwig has nominated for councillor as he believes the current council is not applying for funding grants which require co-contributions, labelling this as “shortsighted”.
“With the council sitting on $97 million in cash reserves it defies common sense to not go for matching State and Federal funding now to get many needed projects underway and to complete others still sitting unfinished,” he said.
“Restoring commonsense, proactive decision making and work ethic where councillors are required to do their job by working harder and smarter at the council table is what is required this election.
“If elected, I will be working constructively to ensure the new council is genuinely transparent and deliver the outcomes our community expects and deserves.”
‘Critical for local jobs’: Central Qld shines bright at tourism awards
Central Queensland was in the spotlight at the Australian Tourism Awards with Beef Australia bringing home a silver and another operator taking home gold.
Rockhampton sale and auction results, week ending March 22
See the latest auction and sales results in Rockhampton for last week.