Councillors announce plans for 2024 elections

It is about seven months until voters elect the next Fraser Coast Regional Council and with one councillor already bowing out, all of our local government representatives have been asked ‘Are you running next year’? Here is what they said:

The 2020-2024 Fraser Coast Regional Council representatives. Some will stand for reelection in 2024, some will not. (Back, from left) Denis Chapman, Daniel Sanderson, Zane O’Keefe, Darren Everard, Phil Truscott and James Hanson. (Front from left) David Lee, Paul Truscott, George Seymour, Jade Wellings and David Lewis

On March 16, 2023, Queenslanders will vote for their local council representatives for the following four years.

Rumor mills are already in motion over which of the Fraser Coast’s 11 councillors will be throwing their hat in the ring once again.

Darren Everard will step down from his role as Division 7 councillor effective August 9, after 11 years.

As there is less than 12 months until the next local government election, the vacancy for the division that includes River Heads and Booral will be filled by inviting nominations rather than a by-election.

Mayor George Seymour will seek reelection for a second term in the top job.

He believes he has helped turn the council around from “a very low standing in the community” to now “where we can focus on delivering good services to the community”.

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Uncle and nephew duo Phil and Paul Truscott will both contest the 2024 election, each seeking their third term.

Phil was recently the source of some controversy due to his unsuccessful bid to amend the council’s Welcome to Country to acknowledge the “god of creation”.

Darren Everard will step down from August 9, 2023. Photo: Stuart Fast

Daniel Sanderson will look to make it four terms in a row as Division 4 councillor.

He believes he is still the “the right man for the job” and has the “experience required to lead our city and region effectively and strongly into the future”.

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Likewise, Dave Lee will aim for back-to-back victories in Division 9, with a promise to “stridently and fearlessly advocate for better infrastructure and services in our community”.

Mystery surrounds the futures of James Hansen, Jade Wellings and Zane O’Keefe.

Mr Hansen, Division 1, said there was “no doubt I’ll make a decision when the election is close” but for now is “concentrating and working for what is best for my community”.

Mrs Wellings, Division 5, said it was “highly likely that I’ll be running again” but she “won’t be formally announcing anything until later in the year”.

Mr O’Keefe, Division 10, sees it to be “a little way off to be declaring intentions” with regards to seeking election and will “leave this question for constituents to answer”.

Councillors David Lewis and Denis Chapman of Division 6 and 8 were both approached for comment but did not respond.

Originally published as Councillors announce plans for 2024 elections