Townsville City Councillors Kurt Rehbein and Suzy Batkovic go unopposed ahead of 2024 local election

Two representatives have cemented their positions on council ahead of the local election after it being revealed no one would contest their roles. Here’s what the pair have planned for their respective divisions.

Townsville City Councillors Kurt Rehbein and Suzy Batkovic go unopposed ahead of 2024 local election

Two members from Townsville City Council have breathed a sigh of relief knowing their positions with the organisation remain intact and will go unopposed ahead of this year’s local election.

Division seven representative Kurt Rehbein and division six leader Suzy Batkovic will continue to be the voices of their respective areas for the next four years, with both councilors sharing their excitement towards their successes.

Mr Rehbein said while there were many factors that resulted in the spot not being opposed, he was proud of the work that had been achieved in the last four years which gained the trust of residents.

“I’m surprised that no one did put their hand up, but I’m very happy with the outcome,” he said.

“The fact I get to represent division seven for another term is really great.”

Ms Batkovic, a former pro basketballer who just completed her first term as a representative for council said while she doesn’t know exactly why her position has gone unopposed, she was thrilled to continue her work with residents.

“I’m really excited,” she said.

“I can’t read people’s minds but it’s nice to go uncontested, I’m definitely feeling the love from division six.”

Both councilors have grand plans at the ready that they hope to get across the line within the next four years and are excited to have the opportunity to do so.

“We’ve done really great things over the years like the reinvigoration of Heatley Park, the Nathan Street gardens and Mount Louisa walking trails,” Mr Rehbein said.

“I’ve got a masterplan over Greenwood Park and I’m really advocating hard to trys and see that come through to fruition over the next four years.

“When we get active spaces it helps curb antisocial behaviour like criminal behaviour we see in the park and it allows people to use their neighbourhood to its full extent.”

Ms Batkovic said over the last four years she ensured she was available to residents to discuss their needs and looked forward to continuing that through the next four years.

“For me there’s still some projects I really want to get over the line for our community, and I’m really passionate about it,” she said.

“The last four years I know that I’ve worked extremely hard, I started fresh and everything was new so it feels like the residents have come on a journey with me and over time I’ve gained their trust.”

As for the other seats on Townsville City Council, residents can cast their votes on March 16 or during pre-poll voting.

Originally published as Townsville City Councillors Kurt Rehbein and Suzy Batkovic go unopposed ahead of 2024 local election