Noosa mayor Clare Stewart warmly welcomes ‘friend’ Gina Rinehart, defends gifts from mining magnate

The Noosa mayor has defended accepting gifts from mining magnate Gina Rinehart, stating she considers the high-profile businesswoman a friend.

Noosa mayor Clare Stewart accepted two gifts from her friend Gina Rinehart.

The Noosa mayor has defended accepting gifts from mining magnate Gina Rinehart, stating she considers Ms Rinehart a friend.

Mayor Clare Stewart received one platinum pass to the Brisbane Fashion Festival fundraising dinner in 2021 and a ticket to the Queensland Community Foundation Philanthropy Awards last year as a guest of Ms Rinehart.

“Like any person in office, I have many personal and professional relationships and I have many different friends from all areas and all walks of life,” said Ms Stewart.

“I greatly value and appreciate my friendships both personal and professional and yes I consider Mrs Rinehart a friend.”

Ms Stewart declined to reveal the full value of the gifts from Ms Rinehart.

A spokesman for Ms Rinehart said that Ms Stewart had warmly welcomed her to Noosa and given her a book she wrote.

“Mrs Rinehart said this was a ‘truly inspiring book’ concerning the efforts Clare has made going through many operations after the accident she suffered with a truck,” he said.

“Clare also kindly invited Mrs Rinehart to a number of charity events, one of which Mrs Rinehart enjoyed attending with the mayor.

“In turn Mrs Rinehart has invited Clare to a Queensland philanthropist event and the Brisbane fashion parade, which Mrs Rinehart has co-sponsored for several years.”

Ms Stewart said she attended the award ceremony in support of a nominee from the Noosa shire but her attendance at the Brisbane Fashion Festival was personal.

“My attendance at the Brisbane Fashion Festival in July 2021 was as a guest of Mrs Rinehart and was in a personal capacity,” she said.

“Both are noted in my register of interests as they are required to be.”

Noosa council chief executive Scott Waters said Ms Stewart had complied with all requirements in relation to registering of gifts and benefits.

“The mayor attends many philanthropic events to represent the community of Noosa,” Mr Waters said.

Mr Waters said Ms Stewart’s attendance at the Queensland Community Foundation Philanthropists of the Year Awards was as a guest but to also support local newspaper The Cooroy Rag, which was nominated for an award.

“Her attendance to support the community’s newspaper is absolutely within the requirements of the mayor’s role,” Mr Waters said.

“Any attendance invitations, benefits or gifts received are listed in the gift and benefits register that is available for public review.”

Ms Rinehart has reportedly snapped up several high-end properties in Noosa in recent years, while an executive of one of her companies was behind one of the largest property transactions in the area.