Moreton mayor Allan Sutherland says two factors will determine if he contests the 2020 election

The mayor of one of Australia’s biggest councils says two factors will determine whether he will contest next year’s local government elections.

Moreton Mayor Allan Sutherland and Dr Steven Miles on a tour of the USC Moreton Bay site. Picture: Chris Higgins

EXCLUSIVE

THE mayor at one of Australia’s biggest councils has not ruled out running in next year’s local government elections.

As Australia recovers from the shock federal election result, eyes are now turning to the council elections to be held on March 28, 2020, about 10 months from now.

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A number of mayor hopefuls have already put their hands up for the role, including current councillor Adrian Raedel.

Mayor Allan Sutherland and Cr Adrian Raedel at the Strathpine Council chambers. Picture: Bradley Cooper.

Redcliffe businessman Dean Teasdale and Meldale resident Eric Shields are the only other confirmed candidates at this stage.

Though there are rumours swirling on whether some other existing or former councillors might also put their hands up.

Cr Sutherland told Pine Rivers Press he would make a decision on whether to recontest the position later this year.

“I always make that decision with my family,” he said.

“I will make an announcement in the next couple of months.”

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

He said another factor that would determine his decision was who the other mayoral candidates were.

He said it would be extremely difficult for someone “to come out of nowhere” and run a multi-billion dollar organisation like Moreton Bay Regional Council.

“I might go again if I don’t like who the candidates are,” he said.

“Some people are out there now talking about running for mayor.

Redcliffe Mayor Allan Sutherland pushes a wheelbarrow full of petitions regarding amalgamation of local councils, in 2007.

“They’re in for an awful surprise if they ever get in, some of the promises I’m hearing are simply reckless.

“For example, if you’ve got someone saying they will oppose a seven-story building and then they find out under planning legislation that it’s permitted, it will end up in court.”

Cr Sutherland has been instrumental in getting the Petrie university campus and Redcliffe rail line established in the region.

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.

Moreton Bay Regional Council mayor Allan Sutherland leaves the Crime and Corruption Commission public hearing as part of Operation Belcarra. Pic Darren England.

Cr Raedel meanwhile is currently under investigation by the CCC over claims he tried to overturn a planning decision for a long-time developer donor.

Cr Raedel has denied trying to influence his fellow councillors on the matter.