Two more candidates have put their hand up for the 2024 local government elections, with both of them vying for Sunshine Coast Council’s Division 5.
Woombye resident Tracy Burton has been endorsed by the Greens as its candidate for the division, which covers Maleny, Montville, Palmwoods and surrounds.
A former high school teacher now working in the community services sector, Ms Burton is a 15-year resident of the hinterland. She stood as the Greens candidate for council in 2020 but lost to current councillor Winston Johnston by less than 600 votes.
“Division 5 deserves an active councillor who is working hard for every town in our electorate. There is so much scope for a more supported, vibrant, artistic, activated community,” she said.
She said she’d been canvassing the division and found housing and development approvals had joined environmental issues as being foremost in voters’ minds.
“If elected, I plan to be an active, hard-working councillor who responds to the many challenges we currently face, especially climate change and the lack of affordable housing across the region,” Ms Burton said.
“Council needs to play a greater role in finding solutions to the lack of affordable and social housing on the coast. Pedestrian access and traffic safety are also needing solutions. We can work together to do more.”
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Small business owner, freelance journalist and former political staffer Richard Bruinsma will also campaign for Division 5, as an independent.
Mr Bruinsma said he was convinced to nominate by what he sees as a widening gap between everyday people and politicians, and his concerns over a lack of action on the cost of living.
“I am fortunate to have had life and career experiences so far that have allowed me to chat to literally thousands of people in Division 5 over the years, including with local business owners, everyday residents, people from all backgrounds, and politicians,” he said.
Mr Bruinsma said key issues in Division 5 were the rising cost of living, the speed of development in the electorate and the need for appropriate infrastructure. He said he would be doorknocking regularly to listen to what people have to say.
“Political parties and their internal focus are among the factors helping create that widening gap between representatives and the people they are supposed to help,” he said.
“That gap can only be closed at the local level by an on-the-ground representative who is eager to mingle in the community regularly and work to make local life better.”
2024 local government elections
The elections will be held on March 16. Candidate nominations officially open on January 29 and close on February 13.
A caretaker period, during which councils cannot make major policy decisions, will apply from the date of the notice of the election (January 29).
In Noosa Shire, there are six councillors and the mayor. It does not have divisional boundaries.
The Sunshine Coast Regional Council area is made up of 10 divisions, each represented by one councillor, plus the mayor.
- Division 1 covers Beerwah, Landsborough, Caloundra South and surrounds. It is currently held by deputy mayor Rick Baberowski.
- Division 2 covers Caloundra, Pelican Waters and surrounds. It is currently held by Terry Landsberg.
- Division 3 covers Currimundi, Warana, Wurtulla and surrounds. It is currently held by Peter Cox.
- Division 4 covers Buddina, Mooloolaba, some of Maroochydore and surrounds. It is currently held by Joe Natoli.
- Division 5 covers Maleny, Montville, Palmwoods and surrounds. It is currently held by Winston Johnston.
- Division 6 covers Mountain Creek, Sippy Downs, some of Buderim and surrounds. It is currently held by Christian Dickson.
- Division 7 covers some of Buderim, Forest Glen, Kuluin, and surrounds. It is currently held by Ted Hungerford.
- Division 8 covers Marcoola, Mount Coolum, some of Maroochydore and surrounds. It is currently held by Jason O’Pray.
- Division 9 covers Bli Bli, Coolum Beach and surrounds. It is currently held by Maria Suarez.
- Division 10 covers Eumundi, Kenilworth, Mapleton, Nambour, Yandina and surrounds. It is currently held by David Law.
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