Exclusive: City governance chair William Owen-Jones to call it quits stunning councillors

A respected senior city councillor is pulling the pin in a move which has stunned colleagues. Read why they are departing.

Respected senior city councillor William Owen-Jones is to quit council at the end of this term in a retirement move which stunned colleagues.

The Helenvale-based city councillor after a private discussion with only a few colleagues confirmed the shock decision in a Facebook post to constituents just after 4pm on Thursday.

“The next council elections are now only 400 days away. After serving three terms I have decided that I will not be nominating again as your representative in Division Two,” he wrote.

“It has been an enormous privilege to be an elected representative.

“And it’s something I could not have done without amazing support from my wife Mandy, my children Megan and Liam and my extraordinary PA Karen (Oaten).

Ten years in office celebrations at City Hall — Councillors William Owen-Jones, Cameron Caldwell and Glenn Tozer with Mayor Tom Tate. Bob La Castra who has 25 years service joins them.

“In 2024 I’m going to try my hand at some new life adventures.”

Many colleagues are gutted because Cr Owen-Jones, the city’s governance committee chair, is in good health and considered at the top of his game as a city representative.

He said he was “100 per cent committed” to finishing his current term — the next election is in March next year — and his early call would enable “an orderly transition to the next leader from our community”.

“I ran for council in 2011 under the banner of “Fresh thinking, fresh representation” and I’m keen to encourage, help and mentor someone who has the pluck to have a similar go,” he wrote.

Sources suggest several other councillors are considering retirement — but Cr Owen-Jones has not been among the names mentioned in the corridors of City Hall.

In the current term he delivered a significant win for his community by convincing a majority of his colleagues to support him in a bid to stop expansion of the Oxenford quarry.

Team WOJ. Helensvale-based Councillor William Owen-Jones with family and key staffers. To his left, son, Liam, on the right PA Karen Oaten. Back row left to right, staffer Dani Watson, daughter Megan and wife Mandy.

He has played a key role as a caucus leader (see the Bulletin’s editorial) in saving assets like Black Swan Lake and Bruce Bishop car park.

One of his closest colleagues, Mudgeeraba-based councillor Glenn Tozer, says he is as surprised as others at Evandale by council’s impending loss.

“Councillor Owen-Jones and I have served together since 2012 and over that time I’ve observed his sharp mind and focus on getting the best community outcomes, not just in his Division but across the city,” he told the Bulletin.

“I’ve particularly enjoyed his dry wit and his passion for the city’s cultural sector. We’ve enjoyed the odd beer together, responsibly of course.

Mayor Tom Tate brought down his 10th budget today at the Gold Coast City Council chambers at Evandale. Councillor William Owen-Jones. Picture Glenn Hampson

“There have also been times that I’ve observed his diplomacy and political tactics have altered outcomes very favourably for the city, and while he would very rarely take credit, our city is in a much better place for his contribution.

“Frankly, I think we’ve averted potential crisis on occasions due to his financial and strategic foresight.”

Cr Tozer said he was holding out a small hope that his colleague would change his mind.

“I hope to contest the 2024 election in Division 9 and look forward to working with him, or a new Division 2 Councillor, for the coming term,” he said.

“Whatever happens in 2024, Cr Owen-Jones contribution has been significant since 2012 and he should be resoundingly thanked for his representation.”

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