Dametto gets Green light: Senator ready to work with new mayor and advocate for Townsville

Federal government has vowed to reset its fractured relationship with Townsville’s mayor after Nick Dametto’s victory ended months of chaos.

Labor Sentato Nita Green said she is looking forward to working with Nick Dametto and advocating for Townsville in Canberra. Picture: Josh Mercer

The federal government is ready to work with Townsville’s new mayor to delivery for the city, after almost two years chaos in local government damaging the relationship.

Labor Senator Nita Green says ready to work with new mayor Nick Dametto to deliver for the city after a difficult 18 months, adding that she made her feelings about former mayor Troy Thompson clear previously.

The Tourism Assistant Minister was in Townsville to speak with a operators and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority officials about the launch of a new initiative about protecting the reef.

Ms Green said she reached out to Mr Dametto to congratulate him on the election win, after it was certified on Thursday.

“I think that it is going to be a fresh start for Townsville, it has been a very difficult 18 months,” Ms Green said.

“I made my views about the previous mayor well known, and I really want to thank Ann-Maree Greaney for the work that she did as Acting Mayor.”

During Mr Dametto’s campaign, he made multiple promises that would require funding assistance from the state and federal governments and planned to campaign for cash.

Ms Green said that she already had a good working relationship with Mr Dametto when he was the state MP for Hinchinbrook and always had one with the council.

(Left) Paul Crocombe from Adrenaline Snorkel and Dive, Director of Reef Education and Engagement at the Great Barrier Reef marine Park Authority Fiona Merida, Senator Nita Green, and CEO of the Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators. Picture Josh Mercer

“We will be making sure that we are delivering for Townsville together, I know he’s got a lot of work to do, but this a town that’s ready to move and ready to shine,” she said.

“I’ve always had a good relationship with the Townsville City Council, and I will continue to do that no matter who the mayor is.”

Originally published as Dametto gets Green light: Senator ready to work with new mayor and advocate for Townsville