Moreton Bay mayor says it was time to go and he leave proud of his achievements

Queensland’s longest-serving current mayor says he wants to go out on his own terms.

Redcliffe Mayor Allan Sutherland at the announcement of the Foreshore Management plan for Redcliffe. Picture: Chris Higgins

QUEENSLAND’S longest serving current mayor has announced he will retire from local government at the next election.

Cr Allan Sutherland has been in local government for 26 years, 16 of those as mayor.

He was the former mayor of Redcliffe City and was elected Mayor of Moreton Bay Regional Council in 2008 and re-elected in 2012 and March 2016.

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“You know when the planets are lining up and you know when you’ve had enough,” he said.

“I’d like to get out while I can on my terms.

“And I don’t want to be one of these politicians that’s thrown out and spend their life whinging about why they were thrown out and how hard done by they’ve been.”

Cr Sutherland will continue in his current role until March, allowing him to be on the ground in an official capacity at the official opening of USC Moreton early next year.

He was instrumental in getting the Petrie university campus and Redcliffe rail line established in the region.

Federal LNP MP for Petrie Luke Howarth, Moreton Bay Mayor Allan Sutherland and USC vice chancellor Professor Greg Hill sign the university development agreement at the USC Moreton Bay Commencement Ceremony on the site of the foundation building on July 4 2018. Picture: David Alexander

Though his latest term has been marred by controversy including an appearance as a witness at the Crime and Corruption Commission’s (CCC) Operation Belcarra investigation into the 2016 elections, in which he was not charged with any criminal offence.

The Belcarra investigation resulted in widespread reform of local government in Queensland to improve accountability and transparency.

“To date, all (CCC complaints against him) have been unsubstantiated and I think they will all be unsubstantiated because at least I can get up in the morning and know I haven’t done anything wrong,” Cr Sutherland said.

A number of mayor hopefuls have already put their hands up for the role, including Redcliffe real estate agent Dean Teasdale and retiree Eric Shields of Meldale.

It remains to be seen who of the sitting councillors would throw their hat into the ring for mayor, though there are suggestions that at least four were considering it.

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It also remains to be seen whether the Moreton Bay community would stomach a face from the current council or whether they would prefer some new blood untainted by the negative perception swirling around this current term of council.

Cr Adrian Raedel was a confirmed mayoral candidate before being suspended from his role as a councillor after being charged with corruption by the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC),

Cr Raedel has said he will fight the charges and should he be found Not Guilty, he would be free to contest the election again.

Allan Sutherland at the opening of the Moreton Bay Rail Line. Photo Adam Armstrong

“I think one of the biggest feats we’ve had is the amalgamation,” said Cr Sutherland, who initially was against amalgamation.

”Three totally different areas amalgamated. The region is bigger and has one of the best economies in the state and I think it’s better for it.

“The challenge of being mayor has been great.

“One minute you can be speaking with some of rugby league’s greatest stars at a football match and the next minute you could be talking to a Prime Minister or at a raceway, you could be anywhere.

“I thank the people of Moreton Bay for giving me the opportunity to represent them.

“I’ve tried to do well by them and I’ve tried to put everything in that I could.”