Sunshine Coast councillor Peter Cox announces retirement from council

A Sunshine Coast councillor has addressed what’s next after his retirement and hasn’t ruled out taking on a man he hasn’t “seen eye-to-eye” with over the years.

Veteran Sunshine Coast councillor Peter Cox has announced his retirement from council.

A veteran Sunshine Coast councillor has made a shock announcement ahead of the upcoming election, taking the opportunity to address rumours on his future as he ponders his next move.

Councillor Peter Cox has revealed he will be not contesting the upcoming local government election, which will be held on Saturday, March 16.

In announcing his retirement from council, Mr Cox said it had been a privilege and honour to represent the community.

Councillor Peter Cox has represented Division 3 since 2012.

“As I have reflected on my three terms, I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given to serve,” Mr Cox said.

“I had a simple objective, to ensure that better facilities and opportunities existed here for both current and future generations.”

Gym owner Peter Cox meets up with Cr Peter Cox. Picture: Contributed

When pressed for his next move Mr Cox was coy about his future aspirations.

“Undecided, I’ll take some time off beforehand,” he said.

“I’ve got a couple of suggestions, but I’ll be keeping those to myself at the moment, I’ve got a vacation early in April, so when I’m back, I’ll decide what the future holds for me then.”

While stopping short of confirming his next move, he took the opportunity to address rumours that have swirled about his future.

Member for Kawana Jarrod Bleijie, Stockland senior development manager Mark McMahon, and Cr Peter Cox at an opening for a beach access and coastal walkway at Bokarina Beach.

“Apparently there were rumours I was running for mayor, according to Stop the Rot I’m getting a job at LGAQ, maybe even challenging (Jarrod) Bleijie later in the year,” he said.

“It’s no secret that Jarrod and I have not seen eye-to-eye on occasions, but I’m definitely not interested in party politics.”

Mr Cox served as the representative for Division 3, which takes in areas including Aroona, Bokarina, Birtinya, Currimundi, Little Mountain, Meridan Plains, Warana, and Wurtulla for the past 12 years.

He ran for council in 2012, after feeling disillusioned with the direction the Coast was heading in, going onto secure his seat by 66 votes.

Over his tenure he increased his standing on council, becoming the councillor with the highest two-candidate-preferred count at the most recent election in 2020, a campaign that saw four of his colleagues retire.

Highlights of his time on council include major infrastructure projects including the Sunshine Coast solar farm, the $300m+ international runway, Australia’s first greenfield CBD in Maroochydore, as well as partnering with the State Government to lay an underwater high speed fibre optic cable for digital security.

Cr Peter Cox and Peter Broome at the official opening of insurance giant Youi's $72m global headquarters at Sippy Downs.

Mr Cox said he was proud to represent the Sunshine Coast on council.

“I was excited about what I might achieve and worked hard by listening to, and strongly advocating for, the local community needs,” he said.

“This often involved making the tough decisions, not just the popular ones.

“Whilst I always strived to do my best for the greater good, I simply cannot claim all the credit for the successes, I have worked with a team of incredibly talented and dedicated employees right throughout the organisation.”

Currently, two candidates have nominated to replace Mr Cox in Division 3, namely Sunshine Coast Council Community Development team leader Tim Burns and Kawana Chamber of Commerce President Alister Eiseman.

In announcing his retirement from council, Mr Cox joins the likes of Mayor Mark Jamieson, Deputy Mayor Rick Baberowski in stepping away from city hall.