Brisbane City Council adds Sara Whitmee amid Labor Party replacements
Brisbane City Council will welcome its 14th female councillor after a former opposition leader’s replacement was revealed — and she didn’t waste time taking a shot at the LNP.
Southeast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Southeast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Brisbane City Council will welcome in a new female councillor after former opposition leader Peter Cumming’s replacement was selected by the Labor Party.
Sara Whitmee will be sworn in as the new councillor for the Wynnum Manly Ward at a ceremony on Tuesday following the retirement of Cr Cumming, who held the position for 29 years.
A bayside resident, Ms Whitmee — a United Workers Union official and former real estate agent — has been endorsed by Queensland Labor with rules allowing a sitting councillor to be replaced a year out from an election.
Ms Whitmee said her priority was to shine a light on how great Wynnum Manly was but it didn’t take long to take her first shot at the LNP-led council.
“I live in Wynnum Manly with my husband and our young son, and I believe this is the best
part of Brisbane,” she said.
“Engaging with the community and listening to what they want, and need are so important.
“Peter Cumming has been such a strong advocate for this area for so long and was a great
example of strong representation which I’m excited to continue.”
“The current LNP-led council has ignored our area for too long — locals are crying out for
more public transport options, better parks and amenities and for value for money from their
ever-increasing rates.”
Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Jared Cassidy, said the LNP council has all but forgotten
the suburbs of Brisbane.
“Residents in the suburbs are paying more and getting less. Rates have more than doubled
under Adrian Schrinner, but we have thousands of broken footpaths, cancelled buses and
neglect in Wynnum Manly. Residents deserve better,” he said.
“Sara loves the Wynnum Manly ward and will fight to make sure residents get their fair share
from this arrogant and out-of-touch ... administration.”
The LNP fired back saying it was Labor who had taken Wynnum Manly for granted.
“Labor has represented the Wynnum Manly ward for more than 70 years yet now they’re complaining the area needs more amenities,” a Team Schrinner spokesman said.
“(Despite) Jared Cassidy’s blustering, it took an LNP-led team in Council to deliver major upgrades to the local foreshore parklands, a new library and major road upgrades.
“It’s time for the ward to be represented by an energetic local who wants to be part of the team making Brisbane even better.
“That person is Alex Givney who is already working hard as the Lord Mayor’s representative in Wynnum Manly.”
Ms Givney is the LNP’s candidate for Wynnum Manly, she has lived in the area since 2005, taught locally for 12 years, worked in community engagement, served on several community groups is also a local business advocate.
Couple charged with attempted murder amid stolen handbag allegations
A Brisbane couple has been charged with attempted murder after they allegedly chased a woman at high speeds.
The decision that could change how Qld public service accrue annual leave
Queensland ship traffic workers have anchored a major win, securing full leave accrued despite changes to their hours, in a decision that could influence other sectors of the public service.