Western Downs Regional Council mayor, councillors decided following local government election

Former deputy mayor Andrew Smith has taken the top job at Western Downs Regional Council while three retiring councillors have been replaced with fresh candidates. See who will lead the region for the next four years here.

(From left) New Western Downs mayor Andrew Smith has been elected to the top job, with new councillors Greg Olm, Sophie Bougoure and Sam Condon.

The Western Downs region has welcomed a new mayor and three new councillors following the 2024 local government election.

Former deputy mayor Andrew Smith has been declared as the new mayor receiving 76.19 per cent of the mayoral votes and taking the reins from retiring former mayor Paul McVeigh.

Mr Smith is serving his fifth consecutive term on Western Downs Regional Council, having first been elected in 2008 and previously serving as deputy mayor from 2016 to 2024.

Former Deputy Mayor Andrew Smith has now taken on the top job elected as mayor of Western Downs Regional Council.

He said the incoming council was positioned well to lead the Western Downs into the future.

“This council is financially strong and debt free and has worked extremely hard to set a clear strategic direction for the region’s economy, infrastructure and liveability,” Mr Smith said.

“I have full confidence in our newly elected council’s capacity to drive our region forward and deliver security and wonderful liveability outcomes for the Western Downs.”

All six councillors who were up for re-election will return to their roles while the three retiring councillors mayor Paul McVeigh, Carolyn Tillman and Ian Rasmussen will be replaced by Sophie Bougoure, Sam Condon and Greg Olm.

Sophie Bougoure has been elected to Western Downs Regional Council.

Greg Olm is a new councillor.

Sam Condon is running for Western Downs Council in 2024.

“I’d like to congratulate my fellow councillors Kylie Bourne, Megan James, Kaye Maguire, George Moore and Peter Saxelby on their re-election and thank each of them for their invaluable contribution over the previous term of council,” Mr Smith said.

“These five councillors have an excellent working knowledge of our region and have laid a strong foundation for council’s strategic planning and future growth.

“This vote of confidence is an endorsement of council’s direction and delivery over recent years.

“Our elected member team will also benefit greatly from the additional wisdom and expertise of three enthusiastic and trusted new councillors in Sophie Bougoure, Sam Condon and Greg Olm.

Mr Smith acknowledged the contributions of departing mayor Paul McVeigh and retiring councillors Carolyn Tillman and Ian Rasmussen.

“I’d like to thank outgoing mayor Paul McVeigh for his tremendous service and dedication in driving a strong, united team that has delivered tremendous legacy outcomes for the region we all love to call home,” he said.

“Cr Tillman is one of Queensland’s longest serving Councillors having served our communities on the Western Downs for 27 years and Cr Rasmussen served for 12 years across three consecutive terms.

“Their collective contributions to our region are immeasurable and I thank each of them for their service to our communities.”

Originally published as Western Downs Regional Council mayor, councillors decided following local government election