Early candidates announce run for Sunshine Coast mayor
Sunshine Coast identities have announced their intentions to run for mayor, with speculation rife that a current councillor and well-known locals will throw their hat in the ring.
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A host of Sunshine Coast identities have announced their intentions to run for mayor, amid speculation that a current councillor and well-known locals will throw their hats in the ring.
Anticipation is building for the 2024 local government election with a new leadership team to be voted into the Sunshine Coast Council.
Retirement announcements were made by Mayor Mark Jamieson and deputy mayor Rick Baberowski last month.
Following the announcement, councillors Terry Landsberg, Peter Cox, Joe Natoli, Winston Johnston, Christian Dickson, Ted Hungerford, Maria Suarez, and David Law confirmed that they would run for council, but not for mayor.
It has led to speculation that the outlier councillor Jason O’Pray, who has served on council since 2012, will make a run for mayor.
It is understood that a major announcement is expected from Mr O’Pray next week.
At this time, there are three mayoral candidates that have formally announced their nomination, namely popular television presenter and long time journalist Rosanna Natoli, well-known Montville local Wayne Parcell PSM, and prominent social media critic Michael Burgess.
Rosanna Natoli
In announcing her candidacy, Ms Natoli said she could no longer sit on the sidelines while the region was neglected for funding for roads and rail to match its rapid population growth.
“Over the last few years I’ve noticed our community really feeling that they’re not listened to,“ she said.
“I really wanted to make a difference there that matters … really listening and engaging with the community.”
Wayne Parcell PSM
A local of Montville for 18 years, Mr Parcell has decided to use experience from his career in law, government administration, business, and work with not-for-profits and charities for the benefit of the region.
A well-connected member of the Montville community, Mr Parcell is the founder of the popular Rangebow Festival, a former president of the Montville Tennis Club and current president of the Montville Village Association.
“I believe I can be the leader that the mayor of the Sunshine Coast region needs to be,” he said.
“My message is clear and simple, my promise to the region is founded on offering and delivering change that matters to you.”
Michael Burgess
A vocal critic of the local government on social media, Mr Burgess has decided to have another go at becoming mayor.
Mr Burgess ran for the top job in the last local government election, collecting just over 10 per cent of the vote.
Mr Burgess has vowed to put forward plans for action rather than a “laundry list” of promises.
“Rather a plan and mechanisms for how what is achievable will be achieved to move towards the future and not dwell in the past, but preserve all that is good about this unique place with unique opportunities,” he said.
Outside of the known candidates, rumours are rife that several well-known Sunshine Coast locals will also run for mayor, leading to some identities coming out to publicly confirm or deny the conjecture.
Ashley Robinson
There is speculation that Ashley ‘Tugboat’ Robinson will put his hat in the ring, but he would not confirm the rumour.
The stalwart of the Alex Surf Club stepped down as the chief executive officer earlier this year.
“I’m in exit mode at the surf club over the next 12 months,” he said.
“And I’m there on a part-time basis as director of development.”
Mr Robinson said he was “excited about” the Australian surf titles, which the Alexandra Headland Surf Lifesaving Club would host in April next year along with the Maroochydore and Mooloolaba surf lifesaving clubs.
Mr Robinson is an OAM recipient and Sunshine Coast Falcons board member, a keen fundraiser for charities and was once a Sunshine Coast Daily columnist.
Roz White
The co-owner of the White’s IGA chain was happy to put paid to any speculation she would run for mayor next year.
“I can unequivocally say I am definitely not running for mayor, even though I have so much respect for the job,” she said.
The Sunshine Coast businesswoman said there was “a lot of other wonderful people” in the community who could do the job.
“The winners always bubble to the top,” Mrs White said.
“I think we need someone with a really strong community focus and community values.”
Officially, candidate nominations for the 2024 local government elections open on Monday, January 29, 2024 and close on Tuesday, February, 13, 2024.
Election day will take place on Saturday, March 16, 2024.
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