Exclusive: Leading business strategist Danielle Dunsmore to run against Tom Tate
A second challenger to third-term Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate is promising to battle him on climate change, shark nets and grass-roots issues in the 2024 race. Meet the candidate
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A second challenger to Gold Coast third-term Mayor Tom Tate has emerged - with strong views on climate change and shark nets.
Marketing and communications strategist Danielle Dunsmore who boasts an inside knowledge of the working of councils has confirmed she will run for mayor in the 2024 poll.
The Labrador resident and businesswoman says she intends to enter politics by kicking off a grass roots mayoral campaign with a focus on engaging with locals.
Her priorities include reinstating a Climate Change department and removing shark nets.
An ex-cadet journalist at The Sun community newspaper, she covered city hall as a reporter and since worked for Gold Coast City and Brisbane City councils.
Her focus is on “integrity, liveability and the environment”, with her policies aimed at adding a stronger green edge for the city. She is completing a masters degree in business.
“I’ve grown up on the Gold Coast, and it’s one of the best places in the world to live,” Ms Dunsmore said.
“But I think there are so many opportunities to be better for locals, and I’m passionate about creating a City that truly is the envy of the rest of the world.
“I’ve worked for City of Gold Coast a number of times plus I’ve done work for other councils – big and small, and really think there is room for improvement, to be innovative.”
Mayor Tate is seeking a record fourth term. Ms Dunsmore joins the only other candidate businesswoman and laundromat owner Virginia Freebody.
Ms Dunsmore has begun her campaign by seeking advice from current councillors.
“I’m definitely not saying I have all the answers, but doing our research to understand best practice, working with my other councillors, along with my former colleagues in council, as well as engaging our residents — I feel we can come up with world class solutions,” she said.
“Some of the things I’d like to do first up is reinstate Council’s climate change department, expand its ethics unit, and look at removing those shark nets.
“Council is like a big ship, and as the captain, it’s not so easy to change course quickly. I’m trying to be careful not to promise what I can’t deliver. I hope the CEO will like me, because I’ll be in his office pestering him for action every day.”
Ms Dunsmore said her interest in politics was kicked off in the 1980s when she covered arts for the Gold Coast Sun, and watched the career of then-Mayor Denis Pie.
She said a more recent second prompt was the federal wave of successful Teals candidates.
“All those incredible women gaining seats at the last federal election were also very inspiring - and Lex Bell, was another great mayoral inspiration for being true to himself, fair, honest, and smart. Should I be lucky enough to be voted in, Lex is the one I’d most like to emulate,” she said.
Ms Dunsmore said the third impetus to run was the new electoral expenditure caps, with mayoral candidates permitted to spend $232,100 each on campaigns.
“I’m far from rich, so the prospect of having to spend millions was simply not an option,” she said.
“Just over $200,000 is a far more achievable amount to raise and I’ve designed some sponsorship packs for donors.
“Donate $500 and you’ll receive a t-shirt, car sticker, fence signage (one for your home or work, and one for election day) and radio ads.
“It’s all on my website and I’ll have all my VOTE DANIELLE DUNSMORE FOR MAYOR merch with me when I’m out meeting people.
“Putting me on your fence, in your lunchroom at work, your shop or your car back window would be incredible and send a strong message the Coast is ready for a change.”
Mayor Tate, last Saturday in response to Ms Freebody’s challenge, said “democracy is a wonderful thing and anyone can put up their hand and have a run...”.
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