Ros Heit makes stunning comeback in South Burnett elections

When Ros Heit lost her council seat in 2020 by only four votes, she walked away thinking she would not try again but she did toss her hat in the ring and the voters have spoken.

RETURNING COUNCILLOR: Councillor Ros Heit made a big comeback in the 2024 South Burnett local elections. Photo: Contributed

When Ros Heit lost her council seat in 2020 to Scott Henschen, she did not believe she would run again.

In the 2020 local council election, Ms Heit looked to secure a third term after winning a small majority of the votes.

However, after a recount, Mr Henschen was declared the winner by only four votes.

Running in 2024 was not on her mind over the years, but it was around Christmas last year when she began considering it.

“I spent several weeks thinking ‘shall I or shan’t I?’ and weighing up the pros and cons,” Ms Heit said.

“I decided I care too much about this region and I thought ‘I have to stand and I’ll give it my best shot’,” she said.

On Saturday, she made a remarkable comeback with a landslide victory.

By Wednesday, 93 per cent of the vote was counted with Ms Heit well ahead of Mr Henshen by about 1400 votes and about 200 votes left to be counted.

“I don’t think there will be any recount,” she said with a laugh.

“I’m very grateful to the people of Division 6 who have put their faith on me, I will do my best to justify that confidence.”

When asked why she thought she did so much better this time around she said the people who voted would have to answer that.

“It was certainly a much cleaner campaign this time around, there weren’t any dirty tricks … there were a few things that happened last time,” she said.

Ros Heit with her dog 'Lily'.

Ms Heit was optimistic about the new council and said the current frontrunners were good picks for the region.

“I’m really pleased with the make-up so far, it’s made up of people who are committed to community, committed to working hard for the benefit of our region … people with common sense,” she said.

“You need to get rid of the pack mentality, which I think we have got rid of, and I’m optimistic that we’re going to have a great team moving forward.”

Ms Heit is also eager to start working on the big and small issues in the South Burnett and in her own division.

“I’m looking forward to helping the council make some great decisions moving forward and be a more effective council,” she said.

“There were massive over-budgets on projects and other things that I would like to reign in … to have less wastage.”

She said she also wanted to make development applications easier, maintain playgrounds and fix drainage problems she had seen over the years.

Ms Heit also had some kind words about Mr Henschen.

“It’s always hurtful when you lose and I’m sure he is hurting and I would like to thank him for his contribution to the community and wish him well for the future,” she said.