Western Downs mayor Paul McVeigh announces retirement in 2024 during next election

After serving the region for almost a decade and representing the community during some of its toughest times, Western Downs mayor Paul McVeigh has announced he will hang up the robes during next year’s election. Here’s why.

Mayor Councillor Paul McVeigh. Picture: contributed

Western Downs mayor Paul McVeigh has released a touching statement Tuesday morning, revealing he will not be contesting the election in 2024 to spend more time with his family after almost a decade of service in the community.

Mr McVeigh, who is also a grandfather to 12 children, shared after the birth of his first great granddaughter a year ago he knew he wanted to spend more time with loved ones.

“We celebrated my great granddaughter’s first birthday a few weeks ago, and it’s time to give time back towards my family,” he said.

Mr McVeigh, who was elected as mayor for two terms, reminisced on the legacy he will leave behind.

“I’ve been very privileged to work with two councils and two amazing chief executives,” he said.

Mayor Paul McVeigh and councillors attend Opera at Jimbour, 2023. Picture: Emily Devon

“As a council we’re very united. When you talk about legacies and things you’re pleased about, it’s having a council that’s very united, very strong and is united in decision making.

“I’m very proud of the diversity we’ve achieved in the past eight years, and I’m sure our future councillors will continue in that space and a new mayor will put his or her brand on how to run council.”

Looking back on some of council’s most recent developments, Mr McVeigh said he was proud council had the capacity to deliver and build assets for the community whether it be renewing Chinchilla Parklands, Mary’s Place or the Waterloo Plain in Wandoan.

“We’ve had to deal with a lot of difficult situations especially in the past 12 months,” he said.

“It hasn’t been the kindest to our region, for disasters or crisis management but that comes with the role of being mayor and representing our communities.”

Western Downs Mayor Paul McVeigh, Town hall evacuation meeting, Tara. Picture: Liam Kidston

Whether the decision to not contest the election in 2024 will come as a shock to residents, Mr McVeigh said his wife Deb had communicated the message to people, as the two will plan to travel and spend time together following his departure.

“It doesn’t come as a shock to people, but I’ve very much enjoyed my time,” he said.

In the official statement provided by Western Downs Regional Council Tuesday morning, it praised the mayor for his time representing the region.

“We like to say ‘it’s the people that make it’ here on the Western Downs, and this statement couldn’t be truer for a man like Mr McVeigh, who, aside from his unwavering commitment to his role as mayor, is an exceptional person with a heart of gold,” Western Downs Regional Council chief executive Jodie Taylor said.

“On behalf of the Executive Leadership team and Western Downs Regional Council staff, I wish Mr McVeigh all the very best as he commences the next chapter of his life and enjoys more time with his wife Deb, and their family.”

Originally published as Western Downs mayor Paul McVeigh announces retirement in 2024 during next election