Nanango’s Jane Erkens officially sworn in as new South Burnett Division 1 councillor

‘I’m ready to work’: The final results have been decided at the new representative elected to South Burnett Regional Council has been formally sworn in. Here’s what she has planned:

Nanango real estate agent Jane Erkens says she is eager to make a difference to her community after being elected and sworn in as the Division 1 South Burnett councillor.

She read and signed the Declaration of Office in an official ceremony on Wednesday with South Burnett Mayor Brett Otto, SBRC CEO Mark Pitt, and her fellow representatives all present.

“I'm really looking forward to seeing what I can achieve,” Mrs Erkens said.

“I think I’ve always worked hard for my community and I think being a councillor will give me more opportunity to work on my community.”

Mrs Erkens has long been known for her vocal response to issues affecting Nanango, and she said she was challenged by a few people to “put your money where your mouth is” when the council vacancy opened up.

Following the by-election on April 30, the council-hopeful took a nearly unbeatable lead early in the vote and secured about 59 per cent of the vote after the distribution of preferences, according to the Electoral Commission of Queensland.

ECQ commissioner Pat Vidgen said about two-thirds of all ballots were cast before election day even arrived.

Mrs Erkens said her 42 years as a Nanango resident gave her a good understanding of the community’s needs, including resources to fight homelessness and the region’s deepening rental crisis, tackling youth crime, and repairing the region’s damaged roads.

“I’m ready to work with the other councillors and if there is something I don’t agree on, or that I don’t think is good for my area, I’m not going to go down without a fight,” she said.

“Nanango will have a strong voice speaking for them.”

The Division 1 councillor vacancy followed the resignation of former South Burnett councillor Roz Frohloff in March, citing concerns with the current leadership and unwarranted personal abuse as key reasons.