Cloncurry locals are going to have a hard time voting this Local Government Election with 17 councillor candidates in the running on March 28.
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The ballot draw was finalised on March 4, with unopposed mayor Greg Campbell claiming victory; while 17 councillor candidates were drawn.
With only five candidates to gain a seat on the Cloncurry Shire Council, The North West Star thought we would introduce them to you.
In order of the ballot draw:
1: Janessa Bidgood
Janessa Bidgood is the new owner of Outback Auctions and Real Estate in Cloncurry and president of the Curry Merry Muster Festival.
Janessa would like to see:
- Increased pressure on FIFO employees reside in Cloncurry,
- Support local contractors that are committed to spending money in the local community,
- Work with industrial businesses to better utilise the 'Industrial Precinct' and
- Make smart decisions as a council to ensure that economic climate in Cloncurry increases consistently.
"I believe the 2020 council should be a group of people that understand Cloncurry the best, and have a true passion to see it succeed well into the future," Ms Bidgood said.
"While I believe each councillor will bring their own opinions and ideas to the table, collectively we need to have the same goal.... to grow Cloncurry and make it the best it can possibly be."
2- Bradly Edgar
Bradly Edgar is a contractor for Glencore at Mount Isa Mines.
He is representing:
- Development and implementation of youth programs,
- To make Cloncurry a tourism destination which would include collaborating with surrounding shires and
- Utilisation of existing facilities and resources in town.
"In the next four years I would like to see Cloncurry shire, become a destination shire, including Dajarra, Duchess and Kajabbi," Mr Edgar said.
"A united council with great ideas being brought to the table and moving with the best foot forward to ensure that the shire grows."
3- Nathan Keyes
He is standing for:
- Retain families in the shire with less FIFO
- Lobby for our kids, youths and seniors though improving and expanding local facilities
- Endeavour to support local business providing support for community and strengthening our shire
- Continue to Grow of key industries: agriculture, tourism,mining, transport and local business
- Upgrade town entrances to welcome visitors
- Explore the tidy yard concept
- Encourage residents to have pride in our town.
"I was born in Mount Isa and have lived in Cloncurry for 36 years. My family have a long history with the Cloncurry region, meaning I have a vested interest in the areas and only want to see it thrive for generations to come," Mr Keyes said.
"I have a broad knowledge of both rural and residential areas of the shire, am an approachable person and I'm willing to listen to everyone who has concerns or ideas they wish to put forward. I believe Cloncurry has the potential to stand out on a map, and I want to help make this happen."
4- Damien McGee
Did not want to be interviewed by The North West Star.
5- Kristie Moore
Kristie Moore is a local business owner and has lived in Cloncurry for 17 years.
She is striving for:
- Local options and solutions,
- Eliminate wasteful shire spending,
- Honesty and transparency,
- promote our region and
- keeping the community connected.
"My decision to run for council is based on the need to advocate for our town, for the ordinary and everyday man, woman and child with diverse ideas and opinions," Ms Moore said.
"I will be the voice that my community has the confidence in, to express the need or concerns knowing that you have been listened to and not dismissed."
6- Bryan Ontronen
No response to date
7- Stephen Foley
No response to date
8- Peter Hacon
No response to date
9- Trevor Jones
Trevor Jones is the business owner of the Post Office Hotel in Cloncurry and former Boulia Shire mayor.
He is standing for:
- Smaller, more efficient and user friendly governance
- Reduce wastage or job overruns, to improve the bottom line
- Improve services/facilities for the youth of the area, keeping teenagers off the streets after midnight
- Bring new events to the shire
"I recently move to Cloncurry in December 2019 but I was the mayor of Boulia until 2008, so I will bring experience and knowledge to the table," Mr Jones said.
"I would like to be part of a team to assist Cloncurry Shire to be leading the way in the North West for the next four years."
10- Vicky Campbell
Vicky Campbell is a current standing councillor and has worked as a mail contractor for Australia Post of the last 16 years.
She is standing for:
- Putting Cloncurry in the spotlight for tourism- Was have once again won the friendliest town, we just need to capitalise on our unique history and diverse landscape. The mural at the look out has also helped to do that, with Cloncurry now part of the Australian Silo Art Trail, I am proud to say I was involved in that project.
- Livability - has definitely improved this term with the Florence Clark Park upgrades in conjunction with an increase in community events in Cloncurry and Dajarra which I was a strong advocate for.
- John Flynn Place - I am keen to see the concept plan come to fruition. It is more than an updated museum with the expansion to include a new kiosk, bar, cafe and function room to be utilised not just by user groups of the Cloncurry Red grounds but the entire community.
- Youth engagement - I am also keen to see a dedicated youth space for them to hang out with their friends after school, Like I had as a kid with the Bio Cafe.
"My passion for this community and surrounds is what drove me to nominate for election originally and that commitment still stands," Ms Campbell said.
"I am extremely proud of what has been achieved in my current term and I hope I will have your support to continue in my councillor role."
11- Teresa Charles-Scobie
No response to date
12- Dane Swalling
Dane Swalling is the current deputy mayor and a business owner of Cloncurry Plumbing.
He believes that the biggest challenge Cloncurry faces is growing Cloncurry's permanent population.
"This will be something that I'm committed to continue working hard on," Mr Swalling said.
"I've fought to see preference given to those who live in Cloncurry with all aspects of Council; be it awarding large tenders, small work through procurement policy and employment opportunities.
"During election campaign there is always lots of talk about transparency, however I'm always endeavouring to keep the public informed on Council business given this is the town's money, we as councillors are in charge of. I believe that the best thing that I bring to the roles of councillor is my availability to the residents, not just at election time but always, I am just a phone call away."
13- Ronald Hombre Major
No response to date
14- Danny Battle
Danny Battle owns a heavy mechanical workshop in Cloncurry called Normech Equipment repairs Pty Ltd, established 2009.
He is standing for:
- Growth in the community
- Trying to improve the workforce that live in Cloncurry as opposed to fly in and out
- Focusing on improving the family-friendly and safe atmosphere of the town. I would like to see more activities for families with young children like myself. The water park that is being built is a great example.
"I flew into Cloncurry/Mount Isa region 17 years ago as a fill in worker and have never left, I would like to see more people do the same," Mr Battle said.
"I have married and had two children and I get to go to work and see them each day when I come home.I get to attend awards days and cross country's at school and I think that anyone who cannot do the same is missing out.
"The next four years I would like show the state that we have a great way of life out here and see more people come for work and stay for the friendly safe environment."
15- Jane McMillan
Jane McMillan is a cattle producer and a local nurse at Cloncurry Hospital.
She is representing:
- Caring for community- Elders and children
- Protecting and preserving our history and heritage
- Making sure we have choices in education and health that provide excellence in service
- Having sufficient and well maintained water, roads and infrastructure to enable Cloncurry to be a place for families sand business to prosper.
- Encouraging and promoting Cloncurry as inclusive and progressive.
"I am passionate about rural and remote Australia and very committed to the future of Cloncurry Shire," Ms McMillan said.
"If elected I look forward to being part of a council that is united and focused on the Cloncurry Shire."
16- Sam Daniels
No response to date
17- Hamish Griffin
Hamish Griffin is the manager of Discovery Park Cloncurry and a strong advocate for affordable airfares in the North West.
He is standing for:
- A fair go for everyone in the shire, in town and on the land
- Affordable airfares for everyone
- Key personnel such as teachers, nurses and police officers retained in the shire
- Support, guidance and leadership
- A new shire council that will offer leadership and community engagement
"I firmly believe that the next generation that are our kids today deserve to have a well-developed and profitable district to take forward into the future and I am determined to help lay a strong foundation to enable that to happen," Mr Griffin said.
The North West Star attempted to contact all candidates but several did not respond before publication.
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Samantha Campbell
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
