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Maranoa, Western Downs, Murweh, Balonne, Paroo local government elections: Who is running in 2024

Less than a month out from election day, get to know who is running for local council in the Maranoa, Western Downs, Balonne, Murweh and Paroo regions.

Tyson Golder - Unity Maranoa

Mayoral candidates

Tyson Golder - Unity Maranoa

The mayor since 2016 and leader of the Unity Maranoa group, Tyson Golder is running again for mayor of the Maranoa region. If Mr Golder is successful in this campaign, he will serve three terms as mayor of the Maranoa region. Mr Golder is the leader of the Unity Maranoa group.

Tyson Golder, Maranoa mayor since 2016, seeking reelection in 2024 for a third term.
Tyson Golder, Maranoa mayor since 2016, seeking reelection in 2024 for a third term.

Geoff McMullen

Deputy mayor Geoff McMullen is running for the top job in the 2024 election.

Deputy mayor, Geoff McMullen is running for Mayor in 2024.
Deputy mayor, Geoff McMullen is running for Mayor in 2024.

Deputy mayor of the Maranoa region, Geoff McMullen, is running for the top job in the upcoming local government elections believing it is “time for a change”.

Mr McMullen has been the deputy mayor of the Maranoa Regional Council for eight years.

In this time, he said he has gained the experience to make a strong mayoral candidate, and has gained the insight that things need to change, citing rate capping as a particular cause for concern.

“During my time on council, I have connected with many of the residents, taken the time to listen to their concerns and have done my very best to assist them with their inquiries without over-promising an outcome,” he said.

Wendy Taylor

A councillor for the Maranoa region since 2020, Wendy Taylor has announced her campaign for mayor in 2024. If successful, Ms Taylor would be the Maranoa region’s first female mayor. Ms Taylor was elected to council for the first time in 2020, and is now running as an independent mayoral candidate. She is a prominent figure in the community, having run a family business in the region for 30 years.

Councillor Wendy Taylor is after the top job after serving as a councillor in Maranoa last term.
Councillor Wendy Taylor is after the top job after serving as a councillor in Maranoa last term.

David Schefe

David Schefe has previously run for Mayor of the Maranoa region in 2020, and has now officially nominated to run again as an independent candidate.

Sitting councillor candidates

Cameron O’Neil

Cameron O’Neil has been a councillor in Maranoa since 2012, and is running for re-election as a councillor in 2024.

Cameron O’Neil, sitting councillor running for re-election in 2024.
Cameron O’Neil, sitting councillor running for re-election in 2024.

Julie-Marie Guthrie - Unity Maranoa

With an extensive background in teaching an education, Julie-Marie Guthrie is again running as a councillor in Maranoa in 2024. Ms Guthrie is a member of the Unity Maranoa group.

George Ladbrook - Unity Maranoa

George Ladbrook is also running for reelection as a councillor as a member of the Unity Maranoa group. Mr Ladbrook operates a cattle property north of Roma with his wife, and also owns and operated a local butcher ‘Ladbrooks Butchery.’

Joh Hancock

Joh Hancock is again running for Maranoa local council as an independent candidate. Ms Hancock has a strong background in business, customer service and community as a former employee of the Maranoa regional council.

Joh Hancock, sitting councillor running for re-election in 2024.
Joh Hancock, sitting councillor running for re-election in 2024.

Mark Edwards - Unity Maranoa

Mark Edwards is running for local council re-election, as part of the Unity Maranoa group. Mr Edwards brings a wealth of knowledge, with a Bachelor of Business majoring in accounting and agribusiness, and a Master of Financial Planning. Mr Edwards is also a founding member of the Roma Echidnas Rugby Union Club and Roma Historical Precincts Inc.

John Birkett - Unity Maranoa

John Birkett is also running for re-election as a councillor as part of the Unity Maranoa group. Mr Birkett is a Mitchell local through and through, where he now runs a plumbing business and operated the Amby/Forestvale school bus run.

New councillor candidates

Meryl Brumpton

Hailing from a beef cattle grazing property north of Roma, Meryl Brumpton has nominated for Maranoa regional council as an independent candidate. Ms Brumpton has 35 years experience as a senior manager in state government roles, has a masters in public administration, and has received two Queensland Government Australia Day Medals for service to the community.

Meryl Brumpton has announced her nomination for the Maranoa regional council in 2024 as an independent candidate.
Meryl Brumpton has announced her nomination for the Maranoa regional council in 2024 as an independent candidate.

Brendan Seawright

Wallumbilla local, Brendan Seawright has announced his nomination for the Maranoa regional council in 2024, as an independent candidate.

Amber Davis

Mother of two and owner of Bessie’s Ice Cream Bus, Amber Davis has announced her nomination for local councillor for Maranoa. Ms Davis has 13 years experience in local government, and experience as an education consultant to help place people in apprentice roles and traineeships.

Amber Davis has announced her nomination for the Maranoa regional council in 2024 as an independent candidate.
Amber Davis has announced her nomination for the Maranoa regional council in 2024 as an independent candidate.

Jane Vincent

With a background in rural business and government administration experience, Jane Vincent has nominated for the Maranoa regional council in 2024 as an independent candidate.

Jane Vincent has announced her nomination for the Maranoa regional council in 2024 as an independent candidate.
Jane Vincent has announced her nomination for the Maranoa regional council in 2024 as an independent candidate.

Charles Weyman-Jones - Unity Maranoa

Peter Flynn

WESTERN DOWNS

Mayoral candidates

Andrew Smith

Glenn Strandquist

Sitting councillor candidates

Kylie Bourne

Kaye Maguire

George Moore

Peter Saxelby

Megan James

New councillor candidates

Greg Olm

Kathryn Prenzler

Sophie Bougoure

Sam Condon

Robert Ries

David Carvosso

BALONNE REGION

Mayoral candidates

Samantha O’Toole

Incumbent mayor Samantha O’Toole is running unopposed in the 2024 council election in the Balonne shire.

Sitting councillor candidates

Adam Osborne

Adam Osborne was appointed as councillor on the Balonne Shire Council on April 27 2023, after former councillor Richard Lomman’s resignation.

Robyn Fuhrmeister

Bill Winks

Scott Scriven

New Councillor candidates

Greg Kent

Andrew Dries

Jason Southern

Michaela Christensen

Greg Kent

Jim Nott

MURWEH REGION

Mayoral candidates

Shaun Radnedge

Mayor Shaun Radnedge will run unopposed for the position of mayor in the Murweh shire. He has been a councillor in the Murweh shire council since 2016, and was elected mayor in 2020.

Sitting councillor candidates

Peter (Red) Alexander

Robert Eckel

Robert Eckel has served on the Murweh shire council for 10 years, and has been the deputy mayor for the last two. Mr Eckel said in his time in council he has borne witness to many changes in the community and reflexively, the council.

“I have seen a lot of changes in local government especially with the expectations from the community. I am continually in contact with the public and able to manage my time to give this position my full commitment,” Mr Eckel said.

Mr Eckel said he enjoys being on council, and would like to be re-elected to see projects brought to completion.

“I would like to be part of the team again see the completion of unfinished projects. I enjoy the challenges put to Council and work together with good leadership and community vision for a sustainable future.”

Paul (Potter) Taylor

Michael McKellar

New councillor candidates

Glen (Wally) McLennan

Sandy Gurney

Michelle Ebsworth

Having lived in the Murweh region since 2002, Michelle Ebsworth has thrown her hat in the ring to run for local council for the first time in 2024. Ms Ebsworth said her bid for council has been spurred by indicators that residents in Charleville are looking for a new, feminine, perspective.

Council candidates in the Murweh Shire Michelle Ebsworth.
Council candidates in the Murweh Shire Michelle Ebsworth.

“I have been speaking to many residents about their hope for a more diverse Council representation, and particularly a woman’s perspective, and I have the energy and enthusiasm to put the required time into this role,” Ms Ebsworth said.

Her experience extends from involvement in an array of community activities to her business and financial background.

She has been involved in organisations including Show Society President, Rural Ambassador and Miss Showgirl for the South West, Girl Guide Leader, Treasurer for the St Mary’s P&F Association and Charleville Dance House.

Ms Ebsworth also has a background in finance and commerce, with a diploma of accounting, and business experience.

Ms Ebsworth said her three main priorities if elected as councillor are promoting livability in the region, opening communication channels, and supporting local businesses.

John (Redbuck) McKay

Sandra Currie

Evan Brassington

Teri Sommerfield

A fifth generation Murweh shire resident, Teri Sommerfield has joined the race to be a councillor in the region. Ms Sommerfield said her bid comes as she would like to see broader ranging interests represented on council.

Council candidates in the Murweh Shire Teri Sommerfield.
Council candidates in the Murweh Shire Teri Sommerfield.

“I wanted to see a wider array of interests represented on the council. I want to be a part of positive change and the future of our community,” Ms Sommerfield said.

Ms Sommerfield has experience ranging from agriculture to performing arts.

She grew up on a cattle property northwest of Charleville, and has extensive knowledge of the agriculture industry.

Professionally, Ms Sommergield worked for the Queensland government department of resources for almost five years.

Ms Sommerfield has also been president of the Charleville Performing Arts Association for the last four years, and has been a member for a total of eight.

PAROO REGION

Mayoral candidates

Suzette Beresford

Ethan Crumblin

Perry Higgins

William (Toonk) Carr

Sitting councillor candidates

Rick Brain

Patricia Jordan

Jo Woodcroft

James Clark

New Councillor candidates

Tomas King

Barbara Mason

Julianne Fox

Kerry Crumblin

Toni-Lou Pender

Corissa Jackson

Clare Steele

Geoff Rintoul

Brian (Jackson) Shillingsworth

Alistair Webb

Lawrence Anderson

QUILPIE SHIRE

Mayoral candidates

Benjamin (Ben) Hall

Dick Loveday

Sitting councillor candidates

Lyn Barnes

Roger Volz

New councillor candidates

Gerard Cooney

Anthony (Tony) Lander

Milan Milosevic

Corey Richards

Jake Bonsey

Janet Hennessy

BULLOO SHIRE

Mayoral Candidates

Vaughan Collins

Shirley Girdler

John Tractor Ferguson

Jimmy Abbot

Sitting councillor candidates

Glyn Dogga Dare

Stewart Morton

New councillor candidates

Moc Parker

Adam Klein

Deb Blackford

Dama Howard

Irene Woods

Russell Rusty Ferguson

Dan Czislowski

Originally published as Maranoa, Western Downs, Murweh, Balonne, Paroo local government elections: Who is running in 2024

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Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/queensland/roma/maranoa-murweh-balonne-paroo-local-government-elections-who-is-running-in-2024/news-story/ce4a8e9e034f92c3c06f7bb8bdcf9c44