Southern Downs council elections 2024: Nick Suduk is ready to listen to community

A Southern Downs farmer is ready to be the voice the community needs. Here’s why he’s running for councillor candidate in 2024.

Southern Downs longstanding local Nick Suduk is looking to take a step back from farming and step up for a position on council. Photo: Jessica Klein

For the better part of 37 years, the hillside country of Risdon outside of Warwick has been the backbone of the Suduk family.

Apart from a short stint away to expand his horizons, Nick Suduk has lived in and contributed to the Southern Downs region for many years.

When the father-of-three isn’t hands-on at the family farm ‘Risdon’, you’ll find him volunteering at his local cadet unit, rural fire brigade and fostering rescued dogs with his wife Liz.

Nick Suduk and wife Liz Suduk at their stud 'Risdon' on the Southern Downs. Photo: Jessica Klein

On Remembrance Day you’ve likely seen Mr Suduk horseback as part of the Warwick Montrose Light Horse Troop.

Mr Suduk’s time spent engaging in many community groups in the region has given him insight into the key issues affecting residents.

Among those issues is a feeling that the community‘s attempts to bring action to these key issues to council falls on deaf ears, Mr Suduk said.

“Listening to what people are actually wanting and not being dictated to,” he said.

“We should be dealing with the actual necessities before we get onto these pet projects that are lovely and all, but still have to function.

“It just appears that a lot of things aren’t getting done.”

Southern Downs longstanding local Nick Suduk is looking to take a step back from farming and step up for a position on council. Photo: Jessica Klein

The region is facing many serious and complex issues, with water security a major concern for many residents.

“We’ve been through some pretty big droughts and it’s going to take a lot of consultation and a lot of options,” he said.

“You just can’t say one magic thing is going to fix it, because it’s a very complex issue.”

Housing may be a statewide issue, but the Southern Downs is certainly not immune facing some of the lowest vacancy rates.

Mr Suduk said he would like to see the government red tape around social housing reduced to get the ball rolling for future housing developments.

“It’s not for council to build the houses, but to facilitate the industry to come in and do it,” he said.

“We need to have houses for people.”

The culture of the Southern Downs is something Mr Suduk cherishes, although it’s adapted in many ways it’s still managed to keep it’s country town charm.

Having to learn the art of adapting as a farmer, Mr Suduk has become accustomed to overcoming new challenges.

“For the most part, the farm is actually a really interesting entity to work with,” he said.

“The freedom to do what we can on the farm is amazing and to be able to wake up in the morning, look outside and think ‘nice’.”