John Brent
Former Mayor John Brent states he is more enthused and energised than ever in his campaign to represent residents. John asks voters to consider his expertise in local government and ability to work with multiple stakeholders to achieve major initiatives and reforms. John is determined to see grass roots engagement return to Council.
“I am a fair dinkum local bloke and I’ve been very active in the community during my time away from elected life. On my return to the Mayoral role, I will be refocusing council priority to the key issues. These include roads and bridges, small business and job creation, agriculture and tourism, engagement with our youth, local contribution to the environment, lessening the impost of rates and charges, removing barriers in dealing with Council.”
Of Canungra John says, “It’s been an absolute pleasure spending time here, I remember it as a stop off point on the way to the Coast with my parents and it’s always had a special place in my heart.”
“What the town and Beechmont has been through in recent months is horrific, yet you will still receive a smile and chat from the locals any day of the week. These are the people I am here to deliver for. Canungra is certainly a town that comes to mind when I say ‘Let’s Get the Scenic Rim Back on Track, Together’. I ask the people of Canungra and surrounds, along with all of the Scenic Rim, to lend me your vote on the 28th March. Let’s get to work!”.
Greg Christensen
“Since 2016, I am proud to have led a program to bring integrity, transparency and accountability to our region’s Council. Our regional economy has enjoyed its highest revenue ($1.9b) and excellent jobs growth (over 1400 new jobs) after years of decline and job losses,” said Greg.
“With a new, capable executive team we are building a Council which listens to our residents and their voice in the Community Plan. This is delivering improved communication, programs and efficiencies for the whole region, reducing upward pressure on rates and making it easier to access council services. We haven’t finished – but we’ve already come a long way. I intend to continue,” he said.
“We have kept Residential (PPR) rates increases to just 1.75% annual average and Rural to just 2.14%. This compares favourably with similar local Councils.”
“Under my leadership, we have delivered the strongest-ever infrastructure program across the region. Roads, bridges, public spaces, footpaths and playgrounds have been our focus, improving liveability and accessibility for our communities. As always, there is more to do.”
“I am committed to delivering further improvements. My first priority will be to ensure Council maintains focus on disaster recovery activities, so important to our communities.”
“I am committed to preserving our superb environment, maintaining the unique character of our communities, and encouraging the right development to continue strong jobs growth and a healthy economy.”
Tom Sharp
Tom’s campaign focus is:
- Rates and Services – a fair rate for a fair service.
- Consultation – ask what the people want, don’t come to them with pre-determined outcomes.
- Communication – tell people what is happening in straight language.
- Council Culture – educate where necessary those officers and staff, that we serve the constituency.
- Bureaucracy and Red Tape – remove the blockades and confusion for fair requests, submissions and applications and give a fair and timely response.
Tom was born in Beaudesert and spent his early years on the family farm at Beechmont. Following a career in stockbroking and funds management, his family returned to Beechmont in 2013 with their young daughter, so she would enjoy the quality lifestyle he had in the region while growing up.
Tom’s Great Great Grandfather, J T Burnett served as councillor and founding Chairman of Normanby Shire (Harrisville) and his father, Geoff Sharp retired from office after 20 years of outstanding service to the constituents of Beaudesert Shire.
Tom says he is concerned local government is removed from its constituency – and that the person in the street no longer has a voice.
“It is my commitment to return the governance of this region to its citizens via the elected representatives,” said Tom, “It is time to get fair dinkum, apply common sense and provide the services the people want, effectively and efficiently.”
Chris Summers
Chris is running on a platform based on a vision he says can be summarised as “Our Voice. Our Community”.
“This encapsulates my view that Council needs to listen to ratepayers and deliver services that are accountable, transparent and meet community and ratepayer expectations,” he says.
Chris believes there are many small groups of concerned ratepayers that are passionate about issues impacting the environment, job creation, business development, tourism and quality lifestyle.
“I believe Councillors are uniquely placed, embedded as they are in their local communities, to bring forward ideas, concerns and issues that may be impacting their local community,” said Chris.
“I am passionate about supporting tourism, primary producers, small business owners and the entertainment and arts industries here in the Scenic Rim and believe that Council is well placed to facilitate and support these industries to grow in the Scenic Rim,” he said.
Chris was born in Broken Hill and left school in Year 10 to take up a motor mechanic apprenticeship. After several years working as a mechanic he returned to school, completed Year 12 and went to University where he completed several undergraduate and post-graduate degrees.
“I worked as a Guidance Officer for over 20 years with Education Queensland and retired in 2019. I believe that with the right leadership team at the helm of Council, acting on behalf of the community, we can make a difference, now and for future generations,” he said.
Virginia Price
The Canungra Times was not able to contact this candidate for information.
