2024 local election: Gladstone Regional Council declared
It been nearly two weeks since the election and the new council has now been sworn in. Read who is representing the Gladstone region.
Gladstone
Don't miss out on the headlines from Gladstone. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Gladstone’s newly elected council has been declared almost two weeks after the election.
Natalia Muszkat has been declared a councillor after securing 8.68 per cent of the votes (24,418 votes) and Karen Davis secured 8.48 per cent of the votes (23,865).
The other new councillors are Michelle Wagner with 7.56 per cent of the votes (21,258), Mellissa Holzheimer got 7.9 per cent (22,228), Simon McClintock 6.77 per cent (19,059), Leanne Patrick 6.88 per cent (19,355), Kahn Goodluck 8.26 per cent (23,247) and Glenn Churchill 8.54 per cent (24,028).
Gladstone Regional Council Mayor Matt Burnett was uncontested, but the vote counting continues to determine his eight offsiders.
Mr Burnett was among 15 mayors across Queensland and 62 elected members to be unopposed at this year’s council elections.
Former councillors Chris Trevor, Darryl Branthwaite, Desley O’Grady and Rick Hansen did not contest the recent election.
As of midday on Thursday, March 21, Glenn Churchill was on 13,454 votes, Natalia Muszkat on 13,283, Karen Davis on 13,088, Kahn Goodluck on 12,923, Mellissa Holzheimer 12,231, Michelle Wagner on 11,636 and Leanne Patrick on 10,778.
But for the eighth spot, just a handful of votes separated Chris Cameron, on 10,748, and Simon McClintock, on 10,449.
Mr Burnett intends to put forward a motion to consider the introduction of council divisions soon after the new council is sworn in which took place yesterday.
“While I don’t necessarily believe divisions will give better representation across the region we need to have the conversation with the community and the Electoral Commission of Queensland,” he stated on social media.
“For the first time since amalgamation no one from the Southern part of our region put their hand up to be on council.
“The informal vote for Baffle Creek was 17.86 per cent, Agnes Water 16.94 per cent and Rosedale 13.92 per cent. While the numbers are low the percentage is too high.”
Mr Burnett said while division boundaries were ultimately up to the ECQ, based on the population of 65,000 across the Gladstone region, each of the divisions would cover about 8,000 residents.
“As part of the conversation we will need to consider a vote of the entire region.
“I will also be asking the newly elected team if they would like to consider reinstating councillor portfolios.”
The new portfolios will include infrastructure, finance, community services, parks and water.
Unsuccessful Bundaberg mayoral candidate Levi Horvath argued there should be a boundary change so Rosedale would be incorporated into Bundaberg’s local government area, rather than Gladstone’s.
‘POLITICS … NOT JUST A MAN’S GAME’
If the candidates that are currently leading are successfully elected, it will mean Gladstone’s new council will be made up of five women.
Bundaberg Regional Council and Central Highland Regional Council have also seen two new female mayors voted in, while Livingstone Shire Council might see another woman added to its ranks.
Dr Pandanus Petter from the Griffith University Centre for Governance and Public Policy said “politics was not just a man’s game anymore”.
“There are changing social attitudes so it could be a case where maybe people trust women more or they do better in certain circumstances,” he said.
MEET THE NEW COUNCIL
Glenn Churchill
First elected to Gladstone Regional Council in 2016, Glenn Churchill was also previously on Banana Shire Council between 1997 and 2008.
Mr Churchill has been an active resident of the greater Gladstone region and Central Queensland for well over 30 years.
He has been in local government for 20 years as a councillor and as a mayor.
“I take great professional pride in the work we have been doing and the wonderful community minded people doing terrific things,” he said.
“As a long time community leader, it’s about the people. I am proud to help them to be successful. I witness so much great work being done in our communities and our region. Our region has many assets, natural and person -made but the greatest asset is our people.”
Mr Churchill is an avid supporter of the arts, culture and community events and is a member of the international percussive society, with the Gladstone Thistle Pipe Band and local trio SAND. He is also teaching the next generation of percussionists.
Natalia Muszkat
Natalia Muszkat will return to council for another term, after being first elected in 2018.
A wife and mum-of-two, Ms Muskat was born in South America and moved to the Gladstone region in 2007 after previously living in Sydney and Buenos Aires.
Ms Muszkat describes herself as a hardworking and passionate woman with a combination of formal qualifications, life experiences, personal strengths and professional and volunteer work experience.
She has a Bachelor in Workplace Health and Safety (with Distinction) and a Diploma in Business Governance.
She is a Member of the Multicultural Queensland Advisory Council and a Fellow of the Institute of Community Directors Australia.
“I bring a unique perspective to organisational values and performance underlined with a strong self-reflective mind and strong grassroots community connections throughout the entire Gladstone region,” she said.
“We have several challenges ahead, from ageing infrastructure and changing residential and commercial needs to urgent environmental related matters such as the increase in the frequency of natural disasters and complex waste management issues.
“We need to carefully consider what balance we want for our future generations.”
Karen Davis
Karen Davis has lived in the Gladstone region for 55 years, growing up, marrying and raising her family in the region.
For the past 25 years she has worked as a local conveyancer, helping her clients become part of and grow in the community.
Ms Davis said deciding to run for council was an easy decision and one she had contemplated for a long time.
During her campaign Ms Davis said, if elected, she would ensure rates were being spent where they were beneficial to the region and residents and governance, accountability and expenditure by council were high on her agenda.
Kahn Goodluck
Kahn Goodluck was first elected to council in 2016, serving as deputy mayor.
A boilermaker by trade and musician, Mr Goodluck said he is passionate about public policy and the impact is has on people’s lives.
“My children are why I put my hand up for council to play a role in ensuring the next generation have a bright future in our region,” he said.
“For me the biggest existential issue facing our region is the rapidly changing global economy that is looking to decarbonise. Gladstone has a proud industrial heritage which enables the city to support the surrounding region and provides many opportunities for working families and local business.
“We need a council that is tuned in to these issues and relentlessly working to ensure we get the right investment and resources to ensure we can still be a proud industrial city centre in a post 2050 world while still delivering the core services for our community across the board.”
Mr Goodluck said council was much like a “team sport” where “no one councillor can achieve anything without the support of the rest of the team”.
“I always work well with other councillors and encourage everyone to feel heard and respected and to have input.
“I believe my trade background gives me a unique perspective on the challenges that ordinary working Australians face in their daily lives and I’m willing to fight for a fair go for everyone.”
Mellissa Holzheimer
Mellissa Holzheimer has more than 20 years of experience in the community services industry, and started her own business two and a half years ago where she mentors women who are impacted by disability, chronic illness and trauma, assisting them in building personal resilience.
Ms Holzheimer said she has “in-depth” understanding of the need to create a community where all ages and stages of life are considered.
“I understand the importance of decisions being made with consideration to many factors, including budget restraints and protecting the environment,” she said.
“I will be available and approachable, an ear and a voice, and will always respect the role and make time to connect with people in all corners of the region.
“I want to continue serving the community at a greater capacity through learning and listening to the needs and wants of the people. I believe prioritising ‘needs’ while exploring all the “wants” is best practice.”
Michelle Wagner
Michelle Wagner has lived in the Gladstone region for the past 20 years, working as a journalist, teacher, and, most recently, in business development in the health sector.
She also has experience working in local government.
Ms Wagner said her focus was on being the best “servant” for the community possible and to work with other elected representatives to ensure the community had a strong decision-making and a safer, stronger, better and more engaged and future-focused community.
“I am a workhorse, a ‘doer’ and analytical by nature, so my value as an elected representative is in ensuring fairness, consistency and robust reviewing of proposals and decision-making, and to enable proactive planning and innovation,” she said.
“My point of difference is that I have vast experience in the operational side of local government, so I understand exactly what is needed and how it needs to be done – to get the job done, and done well.
“I have lived experienced from being a resident, a mother, and working in several key professional fields that enable me to hit the ground running.”
Leanne Patrick
Leanne Patrick is a well-known businesswoman in the community as the owner of McDonald’s in Boyne Island.
Married for 27 years and a mum of two boys, Ms Patrick is a proud Gladstone resident, community volunteer and advocate.
“I draw inspiration from my city and rural upbringing. I seek to further contribute to our ever-changing Gladstone region, by aiming to drive positive changes,” she said.
“In the expansive Gladstone region, covering an impressive 10,500 square kilometres, the local government plays a pivotal role in addressing a myriad of challenges and opportunities.
“The residents of our diverse community have highlighted several issues that they believe needs a renewed focus on.”
Ms Patrick said she ran for council because she believed the community wanted more diversification around the decision making table of local government representatives.
“This fact, plus knowing my heart which is brimming with passion for our community. For me, it is time for what I believe is the next natural progression of service to community,” she said.
“The knowledge gained through my experiences and education, particularly at QUT Pathways to Politics for Women, has fuelled a fire within me to contribute to the betterment of our community through local government.
“For me, community service is not just a responsibility; it’s a privilege and a calling. I am committed to continuing my work as a volunteer and advocate, and running for local government is a natural progression in my dedication to serving the needs of our community.”
Simon McClintock
Business owner Simon McClintock is a dad of three and is the owner of a social enterprise cafe.
He describes himself as a “versatile” local with a love for the outdoors, adventure and connecting with people.
Mr McClintock said he felt one of the biggest issues was the community feeling unheard.
“As a council, it’s crucial that we continue to prioritise listening to the voices of our entire region,” he said.
“Our community is diverse, with a multitude of perspectives and concerns, and it’s essential that we understand and consider them all.
“It’s clear that there may be some gaps between the decisions being made and understanding those decisions within the community, and we must work together to bridge that divide.”
Mr McClintock said he moved to the Gladstone region in 2013 from Gympie to work in community radio.
He said he decided to run for council because of his passion for the community.
“Stepping into the role of a councillor for Gladstone isn’t just about titles or personal goals; it’s deeply rooted in my love for our community and a heartfelt desire to see it thrive,” he said.
“I believe in leading with empathy, honesty, and a genuine commitment to listening to each person’s story. Together, we can build a future where everyone feels valued and included, where our decisions reflect the hopes and dreams of every resident across our diverse region.”
More Coverage
Originally published as 2024 local election: Gladstone Regional Council declared
Inside police bomb squad: Meet the cop who runs towards danger
A Central Queensland police bomb squad co-ordinator reveals the high-stakes reality of a job where there’s no room for error and every day could be your last.
‘Trauma centre’: The crashes that are changing the face of a rural mining town
A veteran rural doctor reveals what life is like for nurses and doctors working in the heart of Central Queensland, after a recent accident claimed the lives of two children and two men.
Meth, coke, guns: Alleged find in Land Rover
A vehicle stop has led to the discovery of an alleged cache of weapons and various drugs. SEE THE VIDEO
Warrants issued for six people after Gladstone court no-shows
Arrest warrants have been issued for six people after they failed to appear in Gladstone Magistrates Court this week - here’s who they are and what they are charged with.
Gladstone sale and auction results, week ending July 27
There were 23 properties sold in Gladstone last week, with 41 new listings in the region. See the latest auction and sales results.
Moment of truth for Premier’s key election promise
Premier David Crisafulli’s flagship election policy to reduce the number of victims of crime will be put to the test today with the release of critical data.