Former Townsville City councillor Paul Jacob confirms election tilt for Division 1
After dropping out of the mayoral race earlier this year, a former councillor has waded back into the election campaign — and he’s recruiting others to run alongside him to make big changes.
Townsville
Don't miss out on the headlines from Townsville. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A change in personal circumstances has prompted former Townsville City councillor Paul Jacob to throw his hat back into the ring to contest Division 1 in the upcoming local government election.
Previously representing Division 2 between 2016 and 2020, Mr Jacob announced in February that he was running for mayor before abandoning his tilt a month later, citing the need to support his wife Christine through her health troubles.
Mr Jacob revealed on Friday that his wife’s health had “improved greatly” since her retirement from nursing, opening the door for his political comeback.
“So I wanted to, and she wants me to stand as a councillor in Division 1, not for the mayoral role,” Mr Jacob said.
Having seen first-hand the extra responsibilities and engagements attended by the mayor, he said taking on that role would have an adverse impact on his wife.
“I think I’ve got a lot more to offer. As a councillor for four years, and also being the Chair of Water and Waste … I’ve got a lot of council experience and I can impart that experience on to other people,” he said.
“The No. 1 platform for me would be to advocate for public transport for people in Division 1.
“I will be pushing light rail for my division and Division 2 if I’m elected.”
He wanted to support residents in Townsville’s northern suburbs by reopening the Jensen waste facility, saving them a lengthy drive to the Hervey Range Rd waste transfer station.
“I’ve always advocated a back to basics approach in council, even when I was a councillor,” he said.
“Roads, drainage water and these sorts of things are much more important, I believe, than the things the council are throwing money at.
“We didn’t do enough to consider the suburbs of Townsville, (the council’s approach) was too city-centric.”
Mr Jacob is also a big believer in greater transparency and accountability within the council.
He has begun recruiting to form a group (formerly known as a team) of independent candidates with individual views, to run in the upcoming election.
“I’m ringing and notifying people who can contribute positively into reinvigorating this council,” he said.
“What I believe that brings, is a lot more DNA back into council, and a lot more argument that we need when the council elections and the committees are going on.
“We need a lot more input from councillors who think differently. It shouldn’t be a council of one, it should be a council of 11.”
Encompassing Townsville’s north western suburbs, Division 1 is represented by Councillor Margie Ryder.
Election day is Saturday, March 16, 2024.
To contact Mr Jacob, email: paul.jacob@skymesh.com.au
More Coverage
Originally published as Former Townsville City councillor Paul Jacob confirms election tilt for Division 1
Techno festival to take over city for a good cause
A unique act combining electronic music and the didgeridoo is returning to Townsville for a Halloween-themed event, with proceeds from ticket sales to go to a local community group.
KAP slams LNP for ‘misleading’ ad, ignites showdown on crime
The KAP deputy leader has launched another fierce attack on the LNP, accusing them of ‘grossly misleading’ voters with a political ad claiming the Katters can’t be trusted on crime.