Tom De Weers contests South Burnett council election 2024
Retired Nanango High school teacher Tom De Weers has lived in the region for more than three decades and has big plans if elected to the South Burnett council this weekend.
South Burnett
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Retired high school teacher Tom De Weers has lived in Nanango for more than three decades and has big plans if elected to the South Burnett Regional Council on March 16.
The father of three is running for Division 1 against incumbent councillor Jane Erkens.
During the Chamber of Commerce and Nanango candidates’ forums, Mr De Weers focused on the big issues he believes are facing the South Burnett.
He said the low population growth had resulted in higher rates and “little in reserve” to maintain infrastructure.
“The population was 33,300 in 2021 and is projected to be 36,700 in 2046, according to the state government regional plan,” he said.
“This is a mere 11 per cent over 23 years.
“My proposal is to strategically accelerate population growth to invigorate the South Burnett.
“I believe a key priority is to create additional housing which requires affordable residential land for construction.”
Mr De Weers said the South Burnett had the “resources and the space” to develop “comparatively cheap” building blocks for housing.
“With increased housing comes accompanied economic growth and the attraction of professionals such as doctors, teachers, engineers so desperately needed across the South Burnett,” he said.
He said this would give the region the financial capacity to “maintain very costly and critical infrastructure including water, waste water and roads”.
Mr De Weers also stressed the state government's role in the region and said it needed to “lift its game” on water infrastructure in the South Burnett.
He said one of his best attributes was his ability to turn an idea into a “finished design”.
“My background is transferable to help and to make sound decisions that are practical and achievable if elected as councillor … my attention to detail, planning and focus are strengths to which I will capitalise.
“I have spent my life helping and working for the good of others,” he said.
The South Burnett Regional Council elections will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024.
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