Fraser Coast Regional Council election 2024: Who are the candidates?
The race is officially on for the 2024 local government elections. These are the 26 people who have announced they will run for the Fraser Coast Regional Council, their background and what they stand for.
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The race to the 2024 Fraser Coast Regional Council election campaign is officially underway, with more than a dozen new candidates throwing their hats in the ring.
With the council now in caretaker mode, many candidates are springing forward to make themselves known to voters.
Voters will head to the polls on March 16 to decide the Fraser Coast council for the next four years.
Mayoral candidates
George Seymour
The incumbent Fraser Coast Mayor will seek a third term in the job after taking on the role in 2018 following the sacking of controversial ex-mayor Chris Loft in 2018.
His involvement within the Fraser Coast community began before his political career took flight with Mr Seymour working in a variety of community-based roles including as a Legal Aid solicitor, a disability support worker and operating the youth homeless shelter.
Mr Seymour is running for re-election as “there is still more work to be done to help the region reach its full potential”.
‘I have the experience that will be needed over the next term of council to bring together the councillors and ensure the council is focused on serving the community.”
Grant Reynolds
Little is known of the mysterious Grant Reynolds with attempts to contact him proving unsuccessful. The Fraser Coast resident is a surprise nomination as it seems as though he has no political history or ties. With repeated attempts to contact him proving unsuccessful, the only known details about him are seen on his Facebook page, where he has posted anti-mandate and anti-vaccination material.
Division 1
James Hansen
Division 1 councillor since 2012, dairy farmer James Hansen will aim to secure a fourth term in the seat at the March elections.
Mr Hansen says his “background, experience and proven track record” are all proof that he his the right man for the job.
If elected back to office Mr Hansen has promised to campaign against “pie in the sky projects” and instead to “prioritize common sense projects.”
Describing himself “as a normal bloke living in the bush, 100km from Hervey Bay” he says “I continue to speak up against wokeness and political correctness even at a personal cost”.
Michelle Byrne
Maryborough Zonta president Michelle Byrne has announced her intention to contest the Division 1 seat at the March 2024 Fraser Coast council election.
She said her passion for the region stemmed from being Maryborough born and from operating a successful small business for the past 20 years.
Through her 20 years of operating a small business she says she has gained “a solid insight into financial forecasting and budgeting” as well as having “total accountability to my clients and employees”.
Darcy Wain
23-year-old Darcy Wain is among the youngest candidates in March’s council elections.
The “born and bred” Maryborough citizen has based his campaign around “
A “born and bred Maryborough man” who attended Parke State School and St Mary’s College, the 22-year-old has been heavily involved in community organisations like Maryborough Soup Kitchen, Baddow Scout Group and the Rotary Club of Maryborough.
His involvement within these groups inspired his candidacy as he wanted to “do good things for Maryborough residents” he worked alongside as well as the wider Fraser Coast community.
He said his passions about policymaking revolved around improving roads, giving ratepayers more value for their money and improving rubbish services in the electorate.
Division 2
Phil Truscott
“With both excitement and determination” Phil Truscott is “looking forward to campaigning to continue to serve Division 2 and the Fraser Coast community.”
First elected in the 2016 election, Mr Truscott says “I love our region and want to see it reach its full potential” and wants to help do so by serving in council for four more years.
In previous lives Mr Truscott has been a musician in a band and the CEO of a financial planning company.
The Truscott family has been in Maryborough since 1912, 112 years ago.
Giselle O’Keefe
A former tourist turned Fraser Coast resident Giselle O’Keefe is “blessed to have found such a vibrant and welcoming community to call home “.
With a background in traditional medicine and Naturopathy, “strong community health and wellbeing” is a necessity for the growth of the region she says.
Ms O’Keefe main goals if elected on council would be to foster agricultural sustainability, support community education endeavours and promote responsible planning and development.
Division 3
Paul Truscott
Paul Truscott is the sole nomination for Division 3, the region which stretches from the Bruce Highway in the west to the Mary River in the south and Susan River in the north.
Division 4
Daniel Sanderson
Daniel Sanderson will look to make it four terms in a row as councillor for Division 4, which takes in much of Maryborough’s CBD as well as nearby Granville.
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”.
Mr Sanderson has campaigned for funding to upgrade the CBD and says “the future of the area is bright and I want to help make sure it goes from strength to strength long into the future.”
First elected in 2012, Mr Sanderson is aiming to make it four election victories in March.
Daniel Beattie
Describing himself as “a hands-on man who can” Daniel Beattie says to Maryborough residents “If you want a man of ideas, someone who listens, who is a fighter with passion, and is a man of action, I’m your Dan.”
A truck driver from Sydney, Mr Beattie has previously work as a Building Manager at DEXUS Property Group and as Maintenance Coordinator at Lakes Business Park in Botany, Sydney.
He says he is not afraid to stand up for him, saying “I’m not the type of person just to sit on my hands and be a yes person”.
Division 5
Michelle Govers
Publicly backed by outgoing Division 5 councillor Jade Wellings, Michelle Govers says she “brings a wealth of life and professional experience in numerous sectors including in tourism, aviation and state parliament” to council if elected.
In addition to her working life, Ms Govers volunteers her time with Masters sporting events, family reconnection programs and Type 1 Diabetes.
“As Division 5 councillor I will listen and advocate for you” she says.
Oscar Suarez
With more than 20 years of local government experience “working on the frontline of community engagement”, Oscar Suarez says he is ready to take the step up to council.
Mr Suarez says he is “equipped with the skills and mindset to make a positive impact.’
“I am confident my perspective and approach will make a refreshing change to council.”
He says he consider himself a “realist” and can balance “environmental concerns with human needs”.
Division 6
Chris Pearse
An outspoken opponent of the 21-storey development proposed to be built on the Esplanade at Torquay Chris Pearse has announced his candidacy for Division 6 for the Fraser Coast Regional Council.
The retired biomedical engineer says would not be “in sync” with the character and ambience of the Esplanade.
“It would dwarf and shade its surroundings,” Mr Pearse said.
Besides the tower issue Mr Pearse campaign has centred around ensuring council rates did not exceed CPI, solutions to traffic congestion, provision of wildlife corridors and initiating tree planting projects.
Lachlan Cosgrove
The Division 6 councillor would be “available, transparent and energetic” Lachlan Cosgrove says if he is elected.
Growing up in Maryborough, Mr Cosgrove moved to Point Veron with partner Mikaela in 2020.
Mr Cosgrove says his diverse working background which included stints in the media, government, retail and disability sectors ensures he has the life experience required of a councillor.
He says he lives by the quote “you have two ears and one mouth - you should use them in that ratio”.
Robert Garland
Former deputy mayor Robert Garland will look to return to council in March.
For more than 20 years Mr Garland has been active in his community involvement within the Fraser Coast, holding life membership at Hervey Bay Surf Life Saving, Hervey Bay RSL and Z-PAC Theatre.
Affectionately known as ‘birdman’ to friends, Mr Garland has the unusual skill of being able to mimic many of Australia’s native birds including the emu, kookaburra and pigeon.
Garland has made numerous election pledges including improving community safety, increasing the availability of graveyards plots and reducing traffic congestion within the Eli Waters, Point Vernon areas.
Kathryn Forgan-Flynn
Having lived, worked, and raised a family within the Fraser Coast for over 20 years, Kathryn Forgan Flynn believes she has the “community knowledge and insight” to be a successful councillor
She worked within the Early Childhood Profession for over 30 years as a teacher and lecturer so can effectively communicate with the youth and elderly.
“To shape the Fraser Coast to want we want it to be, we need to connect and collaborate” she says.
Alicia Ann Wade
Best-selling author of “The Gratitude Method”, Alicia Ann Wade will try again for council this year after falling short in contests held for the Division 10 and 7 seats held by Zane O’Keefe and Jan Hegge respectively.
Along with being a life coach and author, she is also a highly active in the community through her work with the Hervey Bay Chamber of Commerce and Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre.
if elected on March 16 she said she would bring “a wealth of expertise in business management and strategic planning” onto council.
Chris Mizzi
A long-term resident of the Fraser Coast, Chris Mizzi says he is “thrilled” to have the opportunity for the Division 6 seat.
Mr Mizzi says his “primary goal is to promote sustainable development, improve infrastructure, preserve our natural resources, and enhance the overall quality of life for each Fraser Coast resident.”
He has a keen interest in reducing the youth incarceration rate within the region.
He believe “prevention, not incarceration is the key and programs such as Bob Davis’s Hard Yakka must be supported.
Division 7
Andrew Broad
A former Federal MP, who quit his seat in 2018 is hoping to re-enter public life – this time in Queensland.
Andrew Broad, a conservative politician who served as a Nationals MP for the Victorian seat of Mallee, now lives with his family in Hervey Bay has announced his intention to stand for the Fraser Coast Regional Council.
He hopes to fill the Division 7 seat vacated by former deputy mayor Darren Everard, who resigned from the council in August and was replaced by Jan Hegge.
He said if he was successful in becoming a councillor, the demands of the job would be vastly different to being on the road for 44 weeks a year (as he was during his time as a Federal Nationals MP) given the local council chambers were only three minutes down the road.
When announcing his candidacy for the council, Mr Broad said his decision to return to public life had nothing to do with money, as he ran a successful farming business, nor was it about “profile”.
He felt the lessons he learned as a Federal MP would be invaluable in bringing projects to life on the Fraser Coast.
Mr Broad said the Fraser Coast was an idyllic location, but “our quality of life will only be maintained if the right choices are made”.
Jan Hegge
Jan Hegge’s career has had her mixing with high-flyers to the homeless and everyone in between – often in the same 24-hours.
The recently appointed Division 7 councillor believes it’s this experience that makes her a unique fit not only for the council in its current form but also, the version she hopes to be part of come March 2024.
Reflecting on her two months in the role and officially confirming her intention to run again in next year’s Local Government election, Mrs Hegge said she brought 40 years of local knowledge, working with all levels of government and walks of life to a role in helping run the region about which she is not only passionate but also determined to make better for future generations.
While reintroduced to public life as Mrs Hegge, she’s likely better known to long term locals as Jan Carlson former owner of two successful business, Maryborough City Council Alderman of three years, Senior Regional Development Officer and Business Adviser for the Queensland Government Department of State Development for 13 years and most recently the face of Hervey Bay community support organisation We Care 2 for eight years.
John Weiland
He’s survived bone cancer and a liver transplant and now a John Weiland has put his hand up to run for council.
The NDIS support coordinator is devoted to his family and to a career in community service and sees becoming a councillor as a natural progression.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” he said.
While it is surviving cancer and liver transplant has been “a difficult time, Mr Weiland said it had been “character building” to go through so much health-wise.
Division 8
Denis Chapman
Having “enjoyed” representing Division 8 for the last 8 years, current Deput Mayor Denis Chapman will seek a third term as the representative of the region which stretches from Black Swamp to Eli Waters.
Mr Chapmans “ties to the land” saw him operate his own Hydraulics business for 21 years as well as being a project coordinator at the Peak Downs Mine.
A long time resident of the Fraser Coast, he has one numerous awards including the Century of Federation Medal in2001, Hervey Bay Citizen of the Year in 2003, and becoming a life member of Apex in 2010.
In addition to work he has volunteered with the Hervey Bay Touch Football Association, Building Designers Association of Queensland, Hervey Bay Rodeo Committee and Maryborough Rifle Club
Phoenix Baker
A volunteer turned employee with Urraween charity WeCare2, Pheonix Baker has lived in Hervey Bay his whole life and knows the city better than most.
He main concerns lie with Hervey Bay becoming “a poorly planned city” due to “the rapid expansion of the city which has undergone much change in my life.”
He says “It’s time for a vision and some fresh ideas to solve these issues. It’s time to work towards a more sustainable future, where Hervey Bay can not only grow, but thrive”.
Mr Baker’s main policies include developing a effective water strategy, lobby for the long-promised upgrades to Hervey Bay Police Station, managing the traffic within the city and building new parks with the cities urban fringe.
Division 9
Greg Watts
Retired medical scientist Greg Watts election campaign is all about “footpaths, increasing levels of traffic, dog parks and youth crime”.
Mr Watts has been married to my wife for 43 years and the couple have two sons.
His hobbies include golf, off road driving, sailing as
well as looking after his 4-month-old border collie.
Sara Diana Faraj
Young achiever Sara Diana Faraj has announced she will be a candidate for Division 9 in the March 16, 2024 local council election.
Current Division 9 councillor David Lee was recently announced the LNP candidate to run against incumbent Labor Hervey Bay MP Adrian Tantari in October.
Ms Faraj is president of the Fraser Coast Young Professionals and has advocated strongly for ensuring the region and community provides employment, educational and recreational opportunities for young people.
The former Zonta Hervey Bay Club president was Young Citizen of the Year and Youth Mayor in 2022.
She said Hervey Bay had enormous potential and as community member who decided to stay here after finishing school to pursue a career, she wanted to contribute in a positive way.
Division 10
Zane O’Keefe
Zane O’Keef, first elected in the 2020 elections has signalled his intent for reelection “I am committed to building better communities”.
The incumbent Division 10 council says, “I love our community, it’s where I’m raising my children and I’m invested in its future.”
A Hervey Bay Senior College graduate who studied a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Southern Queensland, Mr O’Keefe has worked in the hospitality, construction, justice and community health sectors while also running a small business.
Rolf Light
Former Fraser Coast councillor Rolf Light has announced he will come out of retirement to contest the next council election for Division 10, taking on incumbent Zane O’Keefe.
Mr Light retired in 2020 after two terms and eight years as the councillor for Division 5, which is now held by councillor Jade Wellings.
“I have been receiving feedback from the community expressing the need for a proactive and accessible councillor who can effectively engage with them.
“I am excited about the opportunity to serve as the representative for Division 10 and provide the constituents with the kind of meaningful engagement and community connection they deserve.”
Luke Strochnetter
Young businessman Luke Strochnetter has put his hand up for the March council elections, believing the Fraser Coast needs to “innovate and try new things” to reach its potential.
A long-time resident of the Fraser Coast since moving from Tasmania in 2007, Mr Strochnetter said the motivating factor behind running for council was “to see the Fraser Coast become a place we can be proud of for generations to come”.
Mr Strochnetter’s campaign will centre around the state of Division 10 roads, which he says are “extremely dangerous”.
“In Division 10 there are many extremely dangerous intersections such as the Ann Street, Boat Harbour Drive and Dayman Street, Pulgul Street intersections.”
With 43 deaths across the Wide Bay/Burnett in 2023, the region is one of most dangerous to drive in within Queensland.
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