Gold Coast Council Poll: Candidate Mona Hecke reveals grand plan to join regional council

Mona Hecke has vowed to make a major change if she is elected Gold Coast Mayor after the March 28 poll.

Mayoral candidate Mona Hecke speaking at the Mudgeeraba Chamber of Commerce breakfast.

MONA Hecke has vowed to join the influential South East Council of Mayors if she was elected Gold Coast Mayor after the March 28 poll.

The health businesswoman, who is standing against Mayor Tom Tate, flagged her intentions after an address to business leaders at the Mudgeeraba Chamber of Commerce.

Councillor Tate in June 2013 dramatically left the Council of Mayors, which lobbies state and federal governments, saying his $235,000 membership would be “banked” and council would make direct contact to Labor and LNP leaders about specific projects for the region.

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Mayoral candidate Mona Hecke (far right) at the Mudgeeraba Chamber of Commerce breakfast.

Ms Hecke, in an address to a chamber breakfast on Friday, said: “I want to touch on co-operation and collaboration which I believe are the foundations of good decision-making in government. I will join the South-East Queensland Council of Mayors and participate in regional planning.

“I will re-establish cross-border liaison with Tweed Shire. We need to break down administrative barriers that inhibit communication and divide us.”

Mayoral debate between Tom Tate and Mona Hecke at a UDIA lunch at the Hilton in Surfers Paradise. Picture: Jerad Williams.

Ms Hecke said she had decided to stand for election because she believed the city was ready for a new style of leadership.

“I’m not from the political establishment. I am independent and open-minded. That’s essential for getting along with people and politicians of all stripes. I will work for the public interest — always,” she said.