Lindsay Goodwin enters Southern Downs mayoral race later than competitors with big plans

A Southern Downs lucerne farmer has rolled up his sleeves to give running for mayor another crack, and he reckons he knows what residents want from him in the top job.

Lindsay Goodwin is eyeing the top job as he runs for mayor in 2024

A Southern Downs lucerne farmer is the most recent resident putting his hat in the ring for the top job ahead of March’s mayoral elections.

Born and bred in Warwick, Lindsay Goodwin has worked in a variety of jobs, including as a stock inspector with the DPI for decades, until settling down as a lucerne farmer.

The ‘as seen on TV’ candidate has had the state’s eyes on him, with his successful campground at his property – rated one of the best in Queensland – featured on multiple lifestyle TV programs.

Mr Goodwin said he’s been interested in local government since running for mayor in 2012, and knows there’s a few things on voter’s minds that needs to be changed.

“I can give strong leadership and get rid of that little group-type thing on council and manage the efficiency of the council, I don’t know why approvals has gotten so slow,” Mr Goodwin said.

“Another key thing is tourism, we need to get more people to the region. Currently people can ring up and there’s nowhere to stay because everything's booked up, more people will bring more money to the area.”

Mr Goodwin believes more tourism and money into the local economy and businesses would ultimately be a good thing, with the main issue being lack of accommodation.

“Ninety per cent of people I’ve personally spoken to aren’t worried about who is in the council, all they care about is roads, rates and gardens,” he said.

“Voters want the roads fixed up and rates reduced, and they want the city to go back to the way it was 15 years ago with nice gardens and parks.”

The candidate said it was time to bring the rose back to the city again, and didn’t care for the division between councillors and applications for road works.

The farmer announced his candidacy in the quiet hours of the final day before nominations closed, running against incumbent mayor Vic Pennisi and independent newcomer Melissa Hamilton.

Goodwin previously ran for mayor in 2012.

READ ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE UPCOMING ELECTIONS HERE.