Meet the councillors: Gold Coast City’s new members sworn in
The five newly elected councillors sworn in on Friday have outlined their priorities - and some are eyebrow raising. WATCH THE VIDEO
Council Election
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The Gold Coast’s five new councillors have oulined their priorities including a hoons crackdown, easing traffic congestion and “bringing everyone together”.
The newbies were sworn in for the next four years on Friday after a long vote count by the Electoral Commission of Queensland.
More than two weeks have passed since the Local Government Election, delayed by a prolonged counting process in several fiercely contested divisions.
The five fresh faces are Joe Wilkinson (Division 7), Naomi Fowler (Division 2), Josh Martin (Division 13), Dan Doran (Division 11) and Nick Marshall (Division 12).
Councillor Fowler, an Oxenford resident of four decades, said her top priority was easing traffic congestion.
“The main issue residents are actually experiencing is the local traffic congestion. I’ll really be looking at ways we can improve the the traffic.
“My business was in communications and community engagement, which are really important skill sets that translate nicely in being a councillor.”
Joe Wilkinson, the city’s youngest councillor at 31, said cracking down on hoons was his focus: “I was championing trying to find the Labrador Men’s Shed a new facility, a council facility because they’re at full capacity now.
“Any hooning measures around our local streets is another and looking at things like a facelift of Chirn Park and the Labrador foreshore.”
Division twelve’s Mr Marshall wants to “bring everyone together”.
“The number one priority is to try and bring everyone together and everybody on the journey,” Cr Marshall said.
He believed people voted for him because he was at the right stage in life, he said.
“There’s a lot of similarities with a lot of young families on the Gold Coast but I’m also probably old enough for some people to say well, he’s got a little bit of experience and we feel like we can connect and engage with him.”
Councillor Josh Martin said his local knowledge and approachability was two key elements to his success.
“The number one priority and I’ve heard it all through the campaign, is really striking the balance between growth but also maintaining our character and livability for the suburbs.
“My experience, local knowledge and approachability really resonated with a lot of the local residents.”
Ex-Queensland Bulls cricketer Dan Doran, for Robina and Varsity Lakes, said: “The Robina Parkway and the Labor Drive roundabout is at peak capacity, absolutely needs to be brought forward and that’s the number one priority.”
Mayor Tom Tate said he was looking forward to working with the new-look council.
Fresh faces meant fresh ideas and energy, he said.
“It’s always good in any organisation to bring new councillors especially one that’s a bit younger as well,” Mayor Tate said.
“I have a feeling this fourth term will be the term of delivery.”
The long-term serving Deputy Mayor Donna Gates is to stand down in 12 months with councillor Mark Hammel set to become the Gold Coast’s Deputy Mayor in 2025.
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