New Coast deputy Mayor Mark Hammel vows to make tough decisions in focus on City future
New Gold Coast Deputy Mayor Mark Hammel has unveiled his priorities whilst paying tribute to Donna Gates who he has replaced.
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New Gold Coast Deputy Mayor Mark Hammel has paid special tribute to predecessor Donna Gates as he promises to prepare the City for challenges ahead as second in charge.
He vows to make tough political decisions and be a team player.
“Donna has been a mentor to me, and a conversation we had many years ago actually inspired me to run for council,” he said. “It’s not lost on me that, as divisional councillor, chairperson and now Deputy Mayor, I am following in her footsteps.
“Those footsteps are made by big shoes to fill, and I look forward to continuing to learn from her.”
An emotional Ms Gates at a full council meeting on Tuesday seconded a motion supported by all councillors for Mr Hammel to replace her.
Addressing Mayor Tom Tate, Ms Gates said: “My time’s up. I want to get everyone in this chamber behind your motion so you can have your choice of Deputy Mayor, and we all support your decision so we can get behind you and our city continues to thrive.”
Mr Hammel thanked the Mayor and council colleagues for support.
“I’m very humbled and I look forward to demonstrating to my colleagues, the organisation, and the people of our city that I am the right person for the job,” he said.
“I am incredibly fortunate to have the backing of my family, and I want to acknowledge my partner Tanya, as well as my parents, Greg and Sue, for unwavering love, support and encouragement.”
The city planning chair said his focus was on the Gold Coast’s future, acutely aware the population will increase to one million by 2046.
“I think about the city my boys, William and Matthew, will grow up in, the opportunities they will have, and the legacy we are building. That is what drives me every day, and it is why I am so committed to ensuring we make the right decisions for the Gold Coast’s future.
“I won’t shy away from setting out a strong vision for the future of our city and will stand up for what I believe is right for the Gold Coast, even if it isn’t the most politically popular decision.
“I will advocate passionately to see those visions become a reality, and make sure they align with the broader goals of this council and shape the kind of city our community wants and needs.”
Mr Hammel said he would be a team player, and work closely with colleagues to understand divisional priorities.
Mr Tate backed his new Deputy.
“My view that any heavy lifting, he will be doing. Look at the size of him,” he said.
“Anything that is easy and you need good looking for screen time, I will be doing that.”
Ms Gates at her final meeting as Deputy last month indicated she will continue to be a force in local politics. She was surprised when colleagues made a special presentation for her more than decade-long service as Deputy Mayor.
“It’s been 13 years that have gone in a flash. Today makes me feel like I’m leaving, and I’m not,” she said.
Mr Hammel seconded the motion of appreciation by the Mayor who said council had been “running very well through loyal guidance of Councillor Gates”.
Some councillors last month had supported Ms Gates remaining deputy until the end of the election term after she led the city response to the impact of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, when the Mayor was overseas. Bulletin polling showed residents appreciated her advocacy. She also highlighted that unlike Hammel, she wasn’t juggling deputy mayor and being the planning chair.
But Mr Hammel has maintained majority support in the chamber. In April last year, after the council poll, a super majority of councillors backed him becoming deputy mayor in 12 months as part of a transition plan looking for younger leadership in the City’s future.
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Originally published as New Coast deputy Mayor Mark Hammel vows to make tough decisions in focus on City future
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