Deputy mayor Geoff McMullen’s bid for top job in Maranoa

After eight years as deputy, Geoff McMullen has thrown his hat in the ring to be Maranoa Regional Council’s next mayor. Find out what he thinks needs to change.

Maranoa Regional Council election 2024, mayoral candidates: Tyson Golder, David Schefe, Geoff McMullen, Wendy Taylor.

Deputy mayor of the Maranoa region, Geoff McMullen, is running for the top job in the upcoming local government elections believing it is “time for a change”.

Mr McMullen has been the deputy mayor of the Maranoa Regional Council for eight years.

In this time, he said he has gained the experience to make a strong mayoral candidate, and has gained the insight that things need to change, citing rate capping as a particular cause for concern.

“Capping is a tool that was introduced to restrict inconsistent rating increases bought on by significant inequitable variations in the unimproved value for many ratepayers. The long-term use of this mechanism has created inequities for some ratepayers,” Mr McMullen said.

“During my time on council, I have connected with many of the residents, taken the time to listen to their concerns and have done my very best to assist them with their inquiries without over-promising an outcome.

“I am not aligned with any political parties and have no other political aspirations. My focus will always be on the core business of council; responsible fiscal policy; strong working relationships with fellow councillors and staff as well as being an advocate for the Maranoa within the broader region.”

Mr McMullen said rate capping was put in place in 2017, to restrict inconsistent rate increases. Seven years on, Mr McMullen said the mechanism means council’s annual revenue will hinder the region’s prospects to thrive.

“Capping is a tool that was introduced to restrict inconsistent rating increases bought on by significant inequitable variations in the unimproved value for many ratepayers,” Mr McMullen said.

“The professional advice was to remove capping as soon as possible.

“The long-term use of this mechanism has created inequities for some ratepayers.

“It is my view that only a CPI increase would be required as council running costs invariably increase annually.”

Find out more information about who is running here, and all the information you need to know before polls open here.