REVEALED: Rockhampton Regional Council candidates for 2020
The Morning Bulletin has put together this guide for voters, including summaries about candidates and links to profiles, along with voting information.
Rockhampton
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VOTERS living in three of the seven Rockampton Regional Council divisions will only have to vote for a mayor this local government election as three councillors stand unopposed.
The Morning Bulletin has put together this guide for voters, including summaries about candidates and links to profile, along with voting information, ahead of election day, March 28. We are still working on the voting guide and will update this story as soon as we have that information ready to publish.
There are some candidates The Bully is still trying to get profiles together for this guide. The guide will be updated each time we have a new profile to publish.
The Mayoral Candidates:
Margaret Strelow
Mrs Strelow began her career with councillor in 1997 where she served as councillor until 2000.
From 2000 to 2008 she was mayor and again from 2012 to 2020.
In a statement exclusive to The Morning Bulletin, Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Margaret Strelow declared her nomination and her plans for the future. Read that story here: Margaret eyes off Mayoral spot again
Chris Hooper
Mr Hooper is the only challenger to incumbent Rockhampton region mayor Margaret Strelow at the upcoming election came up with first position on the ballot paper but he was under no illusions about the massive task ahead.
Mr Hooper is a 67-year-old pensioner who ran for mayor at the last election on a promise that he didn't want to get paid if he got the top job.
Read more here: Hooper promises authenticity this mayoral election
Hooper to scrap plans for flood levee if he gets in
Mayoral candidate prepared to do the top job for no pay
Hooper finds way to clean up 'smelly idea' on riverfront
VIDEO: Hooper - 'free transport answer to hospital car park'
Eccentric 'Pineapple' Hooper is proud to be different
Mayoral candidate doesn't want to be paid if he gets job
Division 1 candidates
Shane Latcham
SunCity volunteer Club Manager and former primary school teacher Shane Latcham has thrown his hat in the ring for the position of the Division One councillor, after Cr Rose Swadling announced her resignation in June last year.
Hoping to "continue the good work" of Cr Swadling, Mr Latcham, 50, said his priorities would be tackling the city's escalating crime problem as well as creating more sporting and park facilities. Read more here: Rocky 'battler' runs for council to clean up crime
The top of the hospital would've been Norman Gardens man Shane Latcham's first pick for the location of the $14.3 Rockhampton residential rehabilitation centre but he said the Music Bowl site was the next best bet. Read more here: 'It'll be a good facility': Dad's quest to stay up-to-date
Sherrie Ashton
Sherrie Ashton has a long history as a sales specialist/accounts manager in regional news and is a firm advocate for multiple not for profit organisations and clubs.
She was born and raised in the region and has chosen to raise her own four children and two grandchildren here and hopes to leave a legacy that will result in her own family remaining in the area.
Ms Ashton said the residents and ratepayers of Rockhampton region deserved a council, which engaged and was prepared to do its research, analyse options and ultimately make decisions based on best advice.
Read more here: Council candidate outlines her plan to make division thrive
Vince Robertson
VINCE Robertson hopes to represent the people of Rockhampton as a "true councillor".
The Rockhampton Regional Council division one candidate believes there could be better ways money is spent.
Mr Robertson wants to work with the community in a "way that is open" and plans to ask people what their concerns are.
He would like to see the streets become a lot of safer, especially at nights, and the parks used in a "better fashion" with more BBQs installed.
It could move more people outdoors and be a deterrent for juvenile crime, he said.
Read more here: COUNCIL ELECTIONS: Vince a community minded man
Division 2 candidates
Neil Fisher
NEIL Fisher claims he is great at talking rubbish - and for that reason, among many others, is why he has been successful as chair of the Rockhampton Regional Council Airport, Water and Waste committee.
Neil was first elected in 2000 with Rockhampton City Council, serving until 2004.
He returned to the council table in 2012, serving two more terms. And he hopes to return for a fourth as he defends division two in the 2020 local government election.
Read more here: Neil sees a bright future ahead for Rocky
Rocky region takes step towards zero waste
Councillor calls for proactive action before a life is lost
Gavin Shuker
INFRASTRUCTURE will be at the top of Gavin Shuker's list if he is elected as division two councillor for Rockhampton Regional Council.
In mid-2017 Mr Shuker bought the vacant CQ Leagues Club after it was placed into receivership in January 2017.
He transformed it and reopened it as Rocky Sports Club and it now has 23,000 members and 65 clubs, events and associations.
He also owns Inferno Sports, an apparel company for sporting teams including the likes of the Queensland Firebirds.
Mr Shuker last year revealed plans for a stadium to be built at Victoria Park.
The integrated multi-sport precinct would have a 8500 permanent seating capacity and 16,000 seats in total with temporary seating.
Read more: Shuker outlines plans for if he is elected to Rocky council
Division 3 Tony Williams only
Division 4 Ellen Smith only
Division 5
Cherie Rutherford
Peter Anderson
Division 6 Drew Wickerson only
Division 7
Donna Kirkland
Businesswoman Donna Kirkland, who is running for council for the second time, says there are a lot of issues that division seven residents are concerned about.
Issues front of mind for Mrs Kirkland when she declares her candidacy later this month include infrastructure, parks, crime, and the proposed drug rehab facility.
"Roads and footpaths are a continuing issue in division seven, mainly because we have been behind the barn door when moneys were being allocated," she said.
"Parks across the division have all received lovely new signs but not much else. Compared to the delightful parks in other divisions, our parks are appalling.
"Crime is a huge concern across the grid and particularly right throughout division seven."
Read more here: Donna's back for another shot at Div 7
Related: Residents try to get council's attention
VIDEO: Donna's in the division 7 hot seat
Candidate wants to see park mowed more than twice a year
Noeleen Horan
The platform and issues Noeleen Horan will focus on will be prioritised by listening to the community's needs and concerns.
Immediate issues raised include rectifying footpaths, parks, rubbish, accessibility, crime, and youth associated issues at a local level.
Ms Horan strongly believes in a sustainable future for the next generation, and making programs, events and facilities available to younger community members here at home.
And while these issues are common across most, if not all divisions, towns and cities, community engagement will be Ms Horan's highest priority with the vision to promote inclusivity and foster genuine excitement about local government.
Read more here: 'My promise is to listen, advise and advocate'
Related: Ice rehab site prompts federal inquiry and community forum
Little girl, man in hospital after snake bites
A young girl and a man have been taken to hospital for treatment after being bitten by snakes as authorities warn of a rise in bites.
Drug trafficker busted supplying during major police operation
A previously convicted drug trafficker who tried to flee police on a motorcycle, crashed into a car and tried to outrun officers before being tackled has now been busted supplying drugs during a major police operation.