POWER 100: Region 'on its knees' drove Coast's most powerful

Since his elevation to Mayor in 2012, Mark Jamieson has been executing an ambitious blueprint to transform the Sunshine Coast.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson. Picture: Patrick Woods

SINCE his elevation to Mayor in 2012, Mark Jamieson has been executing an ambitious blueprint to transform the Sunshine Coast.

Deep into his second term as Mayor and now being recognised at the top of the 2018 Sunshine Coast Daily Power 100, Cr Jamieson spoke about what power meant to him.

He said the region had been "on its knees" as a result of the global economic downturn when he decided to put his name forward.

"I decided I could either sit back and complain from the sidelines, or I could put myself forward and make a contribution towards shaping a better future for our region," he said.

He said his vision had not changed since his election in 2012 and it was a great honour to serve as Mayor of what he described as "without a doubt, a piece of paradise".

Mayor Mark Jamieson at the announcement of an $8 million purpose-built convention centre to be built at the Twin Waters Resort. Picture: Patrick Woods

"In short it (his vision) is to see the Sunshine Coast as a healthy, smart, creative region - distinct from the rest of southeast Queensland but connected with the world," Cr Jamieson said.

"A region that is unparalleled in its lifestyle and natural assets, where people choose to live because of outstanding employment and learning opportunities and a great way of life."

He said being Mayor was not, and never had been, about power, and anyone who sought elected office for the purpose of gaining power was doing so for the wrong reasons and shouldn't be elected.

"For me, it is about doing good for our community," he said.

Mayor Mark Jamieson with actor James Millar, promoting the 2018 Sunshine Coast Mayoral Ball. Picture: John McCutcheon

"It is about always championing the region, focussing on opportunity, being prepared to speak up and holding other tiers of government to account for what the Sunshine Coast community needs and rightly deserves."

In his dual role as Local Government Association of Queensland president Cr Jamieson said he operated by similar principles, providing clear plans for the local government sector and advocating for the interests of councils across Queensland.

"The Sunshine Coast Council is a member of the LGAQ and benefits from the wins we have been able to secure," he said.

Among those he considered wins included the new deal on disaster recovery funding, development of a new waste strategy and funding commitments secured for coastal adaptation planning.

"While I maintain a very clear separation between these two roles, Council benefits from being a member of one of Queensland's strongest and most reputable advocacy organisations which has been representing the interests of local government for over 120 years," Cr Jamieson said.