Vale former Livingstone Shire councillor Mike Prior: ‘A man of complete integrity’

Tributes have flowed for a man who helped pioneer tourism to Great Keppel Island and served as a Livingstone Shire councillor for more than two decades.

A man who helped pioneer tourism to Great Keppel Island and served as a Livingstone Shire councillor for more than two decades is being remembered as “a man of complete integrity.”

Mike Prior Snr died in Yeppoon Hospital last Wednesday, aged 88.

At the top of Tuesday’s Livingstone Shire Council meeting, Mayor Andy Ireland paid tribute to the former councillor.

“Mike was a councillor in Livingstone Shire Council for over 20 years, which is a significant service to the community,” Cr Ireland said.

“He was first elected as the Division 2 councillor in 1988 and his final term of office was in the 2004-2008 council election. He sought not to seek re-election at the time of amalgamation with Rockhampton Regional Council.

“Councillors, I just wanted to pay tribute to Cr Prior’s service and I’m sure those of us that knew Mike would remember him fondly, and also as a man of complete integrity.”

At the council meeting, Cr Andrea Friend said she wished to read some tribute words to Mr Prior.

“Council first and foremost wishes to acknowledge a wonderful man whose impact on the community will be long remembered,” Cr Friend said.

“The following is written by Suzy Watson from The Spectator and with her permission I wish to share this with you.

“Vale Mike Prior Snr.

“The Prior family of Yeppoon have announced that Mike Prior Snr has passed away aged 88.

“Mike Prior, devoted husband to Margaret and loving father to Dianne, Mike and Ned, died last Wednesday in Yeppoon Hospital.

“Mike Prior was a long-serving Livingstone Shire councillor, elected in 1988 and 1991, 1994, 1997, 2000 and 2004 local government elections, serving for 20 years.

“He chose not to stand in 2008 when LSC was amalgamated with Rockhampton.

“Being a coast resident, woodworker and ex-Livingstone Shire councillor, Mike Prior designed and made a gavel for the new council. It was a wonderful gift.

“It was Mike who promoted the use of recycled water to farmers. He was water wise. He was a person who worked in the background to improve the shire - quietly.

“In council, he was a thoughtful member. His considered opinions were delivered eloquently, often with a smile on his face, with humour where necessary.

“Mike was a good friend to others and he put his skilful hands to work on many occasions building a beautiful timber boat as well as traditional squatters chairs.

“Before council, Mike was well known as skipper of cruise boats. As manager of Great Keppel Island Cruises, Mike was one of the pioneers of tourism to Great Keppel Island, being part of the revolution from single hull Fiesta and Oceanus to exciting Keppel Cats.

An aerial view of Great Keppel Island. Photo: Kyle Hunter.

“A great tourist ambassador, Mike was always available to chat with passengers, imparting his considerable local knowledge.

“Mike had a long association with the creek. He worked with Wally Muller fishing on the River Song and later on the Careelah.

“He skippered the Sechoma out of Figtree Ck for the Clutha mining company execs and then the charter boat Dolphin.

“He was later manager and skipper of the cruise boats to Keppel and he was manager of the Golf Club at Iwasaki for a period.

“Mike was also a skilful wood worker and boat builder. A friendly personality who will be missed.”

Cr Friend concluded: “There is remembrance service for him at the Yeppoon Town Hall this afternoon (Tuesday).

“Being that council have convened the Ordinary Meeting today, we are unable to attend yet send our heartfelt condolences to the Prior family.”