Margie Ryder considering a tilt at state government seat in 2024 election

The anti-Labor sentiment that decimated Team Hill in the local government elections won’t stop at least one well-known former councillor from putting up their hand for a state government seat.

Margie Ryder, Ben Fusco and Rachael Armstrong were all members of Team Hill in the 2024 council elections.

The anti-Labor sentiment that decimated Team Hill in the local government elections won’t stop at least one well-known former councillor from putting up their hand for a state government seat.

Margie Ryder, who has been in local government for the past 18 years, may be considering a tilt at one of the inner-city seats in Townsville.

Mrs Ryder, who was the Division 1 councillor, was beaten by Change leader Paul Jacobs – a Labor party member – in the March elections.

However, she has been approached by multiple small parties to run for a state government seat.

The former councillor posted on social media on Sunday night telling her followers: “look out October”.

Mrs Ryder told the Bulletin that she hadn’t made any firm decisions, but was also considering a run as an independent.

She added that she would not contest the state seat of Hinchinbrook because she had “so much respect” for current MP Nick Dametto.

Her decision to run would depend on other commitments and the 2024 State of Volunteering report that was due to be released on May 7, 2024.

In Mrs Ryder’s picture on Facebook were Ben Fusco, who ran in Division 10, and Rachael Armstrong, who ran in Division 8. Both were unsuccessful.

Former councillor Margie Ryder and former Mayor Jenny Hill. Picture: Evan Morgan

Mrs Ryder said she posted the photo after having a few friends over to discuss ideas.

However, Mr Fusco, who is a member of Katter’s Australian Party, said he had not decided whether he would contest a seat in the state election.

KAP is still searching for a candidate for the seat of Townsville.

Sources say the party had asked Mr Fusco before the council elections, but he had indicated he would not run again.

“It’s unconfirmed, but most likely not,” he said on Monday.

“At the moment I am just weighing up my options.”

Mr Fusco confirmed he had met up with fellow Team Jenny Hill candidate Margie Ryder, who lost her seat in Division One to Paul Jacob, in Mission Beach over the Easter holidays.

Ben Fusco helping clean up after Cyclone Kirrily. Picture: Supplied

The pair both have family holiday sheds at Tully Heads.

He said a cryptic post on Ms Ryder’s Facebook page alluding to a “Dream Team” contesting the state elections was more to “keep certain people on their toes”.

“Margie is probably in a similar position, she’s just trying to work out what the next steps are,” he said.

“I’m always in her ear, we’d love to have her in the Katter Party.”

He said even though Ms Ryder also ran as a member of Labor-aligned Team Jenny Hill, she was not affiliated with any political party.

“As far as political parties go, she’s independent.”

Deputy Leader Nick Dametto told the Bulletin they had been speaking to many people in the community in search of candidates.

The party was also looking for a Burdekin candidate, but taking on a well-entrenched MP like Dale Last, who would benefit from a LNP swing, could be difficult to go up against.

KAP currently holds three seats in state parliament: Hinchinbrook (Dametto), Traeger (Robbie Katter) and Hill (Shane Knuth).

It has already announced two candidates for city seats: Clynton Hawks (Thuringowa) and Michael Pugh (Mundingburra).

Originally published as Margie Ryder considering a tilt at state government seat in 2024 election