With the local government elections now only days away, and pre-polling already open, candidates are making their final pitches for why they should be elected.
To help voters decide, Sunshine Coast News asked all 33 candidates to become Sunshine Coast councillors to share no more than 100 words about themselves.
They were asked: Why should you be elected to the council? What issues in our community do you feel are most pressing, and how do you plan to address them if elected?
All candidates below are as they will appear on the ballot paper and are listed as independent unless otherwise noted.
The Sunshine Coast Regional Council area is made up of 10 divisions, each represented by one councillor, plus the mayor.
Division 1 – Beerwah, Landsborough, Caloundra South and surrounds
Kristy Taylor-Rose: I have a passion and motivation for public service, a proactive attitude that enables me to approach every challenge with confidence. I have a friendly and strong community-focused approach. I have no political background, I don’t pretend to know everything but will find the answer for my community. I am president of the P&C for local high school and have over 20 years’ experience in construction. I am committed to working tirelessly to ensure each community in my division prospers. With me being councillor, the community can expect a dedicated advocate who will listen to your needs, fight for your interests and work together to find solutions.
Jenny Broderick: I’ve been a small business owner in Division 1 for 20 years and love every unique community in it. Key issues according to residents include affordable living, roads, rubbish, community safety, local projects such as connecting pathways, and protecting Pumicestone Passage. Coast-wide issues also need effective representation, such as mass transport, sustainable planned development, affordable housing and financial management. I have a long track record of getting my hands dirty for the community, from running large events to driving important business initiatives such as agritourism. I also have strong local history and the business acumen to get the best outcomes for Division 1.
Stan Nawrocki: As the ideal candidate for Division 1 councillor, my commitment is to active engagement and transparent representation of our diverse community. I’ve listened closely to Division 1’s concerns, including affordable housing, public safety, environmental sustainability, education and economic development. My approach as your councillor will be to develop actionable strategies, fostering collaboration with key stakeholders to mobilise resources and expertise. I aim to build a vibrant, inclusive Division 1 by setting clear, attainable objectives and deeply understanding our communal needs. Together, we will achieve meaningful improvements, enhancing the quality of life for every resident.
Related story: Who’s in: nominations for council elections finalised
Division 2 – Caloundra, Pelican Waters and surrounds
Pamela Mariko (Animal Justice Party): I’m blessed to have lived in Caloundra this last 23 years. I believe in keeping the Sunshine Coast beautiful while addressing local issues such as homelessness/housing and transport, in tandem with environmental concerns and further habitat loss. I advocate for conservation policies to protect the environment, vulnerable ecosystems, koalas and kangaroos in developing areas. As a proud Animal Justice Party candidate, with core values of kindness, equality, rationality and non-violence, animal welfare is high on my agenda as are people, pets, and planet. I believe in minimising rorts, wherever they exist, and in supporting local Australian growers.
Cindy Jensen: Armed with three decades of professional experience and a proven reputation for fostering positive change, I’m determined to dismantle the longstanding voting block that’s hindered our community. I will continue to champion the call to end corruption and a thorough investigation into the $450m debt, misuse of power and public asset sell-offs. It’s time for internal change, genuine community consultation and restoring the core basics. Vote 1 for integrity, transparency and a resilient advocate for putting people first.
Michael Foreman: If elected, I am confident in my ability to provide the Division 2 community with four years or more of consistent, high-quality commitment. My focus remains in assisting individuals, accomplishing tasks and delivering tangible results. With a genuine affinity for people, I will actively advocate for the community’s needs and interests. It is important to me that all residents are familiar with their local councillor and have a direct line of communication for council matters. Throughout my tenure, I will uphold and demonstrate unwavering standards of professionalism, integrity and accountability.
Terry Landsberg: I offer a proven and longstanding commitment to our Division 2 community – with decades of experience across small business ownership and volunteering. As a candidate who has also served as councillor I bring experience in building outcomes while representing our community. The Sunshine Coast is one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions and we will be challenged to balance infrastructure needs, accessibility, environmental considerations and industry growth. Importantly, community cohesion, health and wellbeing is at the centre of a functional community. We achieve this through understanding that lifestyle and amenity also includes harnessing opportunities in collaboration with other levels of government – such as the 2032 Games.
Related story: Election angst: confusion ahead of upcoming ballot
Division 3 – Currimundi, Warana, Wurtulla and surrounds
Alister Eiseman: I bring a unique blend of business acumen and community leadership to the table. As president of the Kawana Chamber of Commerce, a senior manager in local business and a board member of local charities and schools, I understand the needs of our community firsthand. I’m committed to rolling up my sleeves and working tirelessly to advocate for infrastructure, public transport and protecting our lifestyle. I have held many public listening posts and doorknocked over the last eight weeks and I am committed to returning council to basics, brining a fresh perspective and focusing on delivering for our community.
Kym Willing: I’m fully independent and self-funded, a retired accountant with 45 years’ federal and state public service, expertise in financial, management and tax accounting, a skilled researcher and business process innovator. I’ve the necessary skillset, knowledge, experience and background to bring good financial management, procedural transparency and cost effectiveness to council. I plan on returning council strictly to core services via policy redirection: roads, rates, rubbish, recreation; debt reform; tip fees reform; defund non-core activities covered by other levels of government; preserve the area’s natural amenity and beauty (balanced development); and support local live music events.
Tim Burns: I believe councils exist to serve people. As a community worker of 20-plus years, I have the skills, experience and passion to see our community thrive. It is not a fleeting thing for me but a lifetime commitment to serve. I’ve learnt that issues are localised based on where you live. The most pressing issues for our future are enhancing and protecting natural spaces, developing an integrated transport system, thoughtfully managing growth and supporting thriving neighbourhoods and communities. I plan to do this by being the most “connected to community” and informed councillor possible in order to understand and advocate for commonsense and life-enhancing decisions.
Division 4 – Buddina, Mooloolaba, some of Maroochydore and surrounds
Joe Natoli: The new Planning Scheme is with the state government for state interest check, we are at almost a point of no return. There is a clear choice: a vote for Joe Natoli is a ‘no’ for the Sunshine Coast becoming a Gold Coast. The same cannot be said about my opponents who have done a preference deal and if elected the vision of John Connolly is the opposite to mine. I want to demand infrastructure before we drown in congestion. I want the community to know I will always stand for real transparency and integrity in everything council does.
Mark Gilbert: I ask for the vote of the community in Division 4, as I live there and am part of the community. A vote for me means you’ll be listened to and have someone with integrity, aptitude, common sense and fresh ideas aligned with the community. The community, including me, are concerned about the current direction of the council on dog restrictions, the seawall, development and density on the coastal corridor, the public transport direction, and high-rise on the beachfront. I’ll address these issues by working to ensure transparency and community involvement in these decisions. It is time for a change.
John Connolly: I am an experienced former councillor for this region. I have been successful in my private life and when last in council. My nature as a person is very proactive. Sunshine Coast needs councillors with a vision of where we are going to be in 20 years. Most people would agree we have been let down recently by infrastructure on the Sunshine Coast. I stress to everyone to understand the next Planning Scheme on heights and setbacks. In the last decade the number of students who have left school has doubled from 1700 to well over 3000. Our challenge is maintaining what we’ve got and building for the next generation.
Mark Wadeson: Division 4 just needs a break for four years of high/medium-rise building. No rail, no paid parking. Freedom from government. Who else can you vote for? A couple of Natolis – it’s never a good thing to have a couple in government. You had to vote him out as mayor. Knuckles’ (John Connolly) nickname says it all – you had to vote him out last time as councillor. He wants everything you don’t.
Division 5 – Maleny, Montville, Palmwoods and surrounds
Winston Johnston: Division 5 is an extremely large and diverse council division. It is comprised of seven towns and 26 districts. Local knowledge and the historic importance of Division 5 is essential to clearly understand the residents’ needs. Born, educated, living and running a business within the division, clearly qualifies me as the best candidate to serve the community. Having served in various capacities for some 50 years, I have the in-depth knowledge and demonstrated ability to once again deliver for residents. Since my early 20s, I have held numerous leadership roles within the community and I’ve served as a councillor for four terms.
Richard Bruinsma: The hinterland desperately needs a councillor like me. Careers in journalism and government have honed my skills to listen and raise community concerns firmly with the decision-makers in council – to make life better in Division 5. The most pressing issue has been council’s obsession with the coastline. The people of the hinterland genuinely feel forgotten. I have already had success in fixing this problem by writing to every mayoral candidate to outline the community’s concerns. In response, every mayoral candidate has publicly committed to turning that attitude around. My attitude is: “Why wait ’til the election? I’m listening and getting things done now!”
Tracy Burton (Greens): During my extensive community consultation over the past 10 months, affordable housing has consistently been raised as a major concern. Council must take a proactive approach to find flexible and sustainable solutions, such as promoting the efficient use of empty properties, encouraging reasonable rents, supporting small secondary dwellings and low-impact infill housing, and unlocking land for non-profit housing projects. As a retired high school teacher, former nurse and now community services worker, I am highly motivated to dedicate the next stage of my career to serving the people of Division 5 and working towards the betterment of our community.
Division 6 – Mountain Creek, Sippy Downs, some of Buderim and surrounds
Christian Dickson (elected unopposed): The Sunshine Coast needs a council that genuinely cares about people, together with councillors that lead with heart. We have an opportunity to get back to the basics and prioritise a high level of service to locals. With population growth pressures, it is time to push back on the Queensland State Government and ensure infrastructure like the Mooloolah River Interchange, heavy rail and local bus networks are up and running to support our current population. The community needs councillors who will turn up and fight for our people.
Division 7 – some of Buderim, Forest Glen, Kuluin and surrounds
Ted Hungerford: With 20 years’ experience as councillor and as a fourth-generation local, Division 7 is my home. I am the councillor for the portfolios of Governance and Finance. SCRC has the highest financial rating awarded by Queensland Treasury after annual, rigorous, forensic audits. With a billion-dollar annual budget, if re-elected I intend to again put my hand up to manage the Finance portfolio to ensure we get value for every dollar and keep our rate charges to CPI or below. My voting record shows I always uphold the Town Plan and I actively support the purchasing of environmentally significant land for our children’s future enjoyment.
Sue Woodbury (Animal Justice Party): Believing in challenging the norms, embracing innovation and confronting uncomfortable truths to tackle local issues like homelessness, transport, habit loss and animal welfare, I seek your No.1 vote. Recognising the link between animal and human cruelty, I advocate for their interconnected needs in governance. Committed to enhancing community involvement, I oppose vested interests controlling council decisions, and prioritising local concerns and innovative solutions. As a proud Animal Justice Party candidate on the Sunshine Coast, I uphold values of kindness, equality, rationality and non-violence, aiming to amplify voices for positive change.
Deborah Moseley (Greens): Community development, education, tourism and business is my background. I believe in consultation, collaboration and partnership building. I’m with the Greens because we commit to non-violence, democracy, sustainability and social justice. Sunshine Coast Council must prepare for growth and bring the past with us, while being innovative and benefiting from new knowledge. Our natural assets from forests, waterways and oceans can be protected as we grow with careful management practice. Fifty thousand years of Aboriginal cultural heritage must not be lost in the rush for development. With consultation we will conserve human and natural treasures as we grow an inclusive community.
Ken Mackenzie: My wife Joanne and I have spent more than 20 years enjoying life on the Sunshine Coast. I have worked in a number of South-East Queensland local governments for 35 years, and have received international recognition for my work on community consultation and planning, and national recognition for a range of sustainability initiatives. I am passionate about the Sunshine Coast community, and don’t want the Sunshine Coast to turn into another Gold Coast due to over-development. I will use my qualifications, community consultation skills and extensive local government experience to ensure that our Sunshine Coast lifestyle is protected.
Division 8 – Marcoola, Mount Coolum, some of Maroochydore and surrounds
Kathryn Hyman: I have a track record of almost a decade in the community space advocating for all things public good. As a committee member of the peak ratepayer association over eight years I have been given an education in local government governance and process, and the everyday issues that matter to local people. I’m very interested in public purse expenditure and ensuring appropriate budgets that service residents directly. I have a keen understanding of the technical aspects of planning and have analysed many flood/groundwater models and traffic reports. I have a particular interest in coastal management and have attended and organised many industry conferences and insurance law reform seminars.
Tim Ryan: I’m a 65-year-old and have lived on the Coast since 1966. I worked for the Maroochy Shire Council for 13-plus years. I tried to get the vacant position of a retiring councillor, and again three years later, and twice missed out by only one vote. These two reasons are why I believe I’m right for the job. In 1991 I successfully removed parking meters and tolls, and introduced yellow recycling bins. More recently I stopped the building of the rock wall at the Maroochy River mouth. Light rail though Maroochydore and Alex, which I’m 100 per cent against, will be the next achievement to conquer.
Taylor Bunnag: I’m running because I want to protect the identity of the Sunshine Coast for future generations. I’m an experienced lawyer who was born and raised on the Sunshine Coast. I’m 32 years old, married and have a young daughter. I sit on the Queensland Work Health and Safety Board and I was previously an associate at a large national law firm, Maurice Blackburn. My priorities include preserving the character of the region through planning, a focus on service delivery such as a kerbside clean-up, better public transport and continued investment in local infrastructure such as footpaths and recreation spaces.
Walter Johnson: Marcoola has always been home for me and my family now spread out between Yaroomba to Twin Waters. Personally, I enjoy running, surfing, soccer and golf, for both fitness and a social perspective. Motivation to run for council comes from my love of living here and desire to preserve these values. I truly believe we live in one of the most beautiful areas in the world. The local community and council have done a great job preserving our area, while ensuring we have prospered. I want to continue this trend and work with everyone to find out what works and what needs improving.
Division 9 – Bli Bli, Coolum Beach and surrounds
Maria Suarez: As a long-time resident of Division 9, it has been an honour to represent the community that I love. I’ve been fortunate to meet many people and listen to their issues and diverse points of view. The main issues in our community are cost of living, safe pathways and roads, protecting our environment and maintaining liveability. Finding budget efficiencies to provide necessary infrastructure and services is crucial, alongside planning for future population growth while maintaining liveability and protecting the environment. I have the skills, knowledge and work ethic to continue delivering on what matters to the community.
Suzie Campin: I have been part of this community for 24 years. I genuinely love this place and want to get Division 9 back in the picture. The 2024 Planning Scheme will be finalised this year with a lot at risk. We need roads and public transport that finally work, managed population growth, affordable housing, protected green spaces and beaches, a quick-response, transparent council and lower rates. I am a town planner, scientist, community and arts worker, have experience at all government levels, charities and with my own businesses. With my background if you elect me I will start the job running.
Bruce Dunne: My aim is to make sure that every decision that comes from council will be in your better interest. With my experience both inside council and on the outside, I can say from what I’ve seen over recent years that you, the residents, deserve more from council. That is why I’m running. I believe I have the knowledge, experience and energy to give you a stronger representation in council and bring a common sense approach to all of council’s processes.
Division 10 – Eumundi, Kenilworth, Mapleton, Nambour, Yandina and surrounds
David Law: I am your truly independent voice on council who is honest, hardworking and genuinely passionate about the communities of Division 10. With my background in community services I’ve inspired positive change and brought about real improvements over the past four years. Nambour’s entertainment sector is taking off and I want to continue guiding this process. Future priorities include the Nambour-Coolum recreation trail and compassionate solutions to homelessness. I’ve built strong relationships with migrants, First Nations, business leaders, artists, musicians, the very wealthy and the rough sleepers. I really am ‘here for good’, fully independent with no conflicts of interest.
Peter Walsh: I’m passionate about advocating for outcomes that will foster social cohesion, economic growth and overall prosperity. This includes supporting initiatives to increase community safety and engagement, expansion in key infrastructure (such as footpaths, roads, libraries and pools etc), improved waste management and timely delivery of maintenance and services. Additionally, I am dedicated to support the advancement of small businesses, community organisations, sporting groups and services. Division 10 needs a strong representative that can effectively collaborate with all residents, community groups, services and businesses to proactively address concerns, while working together towards creating a brighter future for all hinterland communities.
Camillo Primavera: Bring unity back into the community. It’s time for change, let’s make it happen together. A candidate of the people, serving the interests of the people. The issues I will be standing for when elected: accountability for the impacts of state government policies on our region; homelessness as a humanitarian crisis; youth crime and community values; escalating rates, fees and charges, and keeping control of expenditure; re-examine the 15-minute cities agenda (Sunshine Coast Smart City Framework); unsustainable and poorly planned development; cost of living and the housing crisis; transparency and trust in council leadership; strong advocacy for Division 10 and the whole Sunshine Coast.
Sue Etheridge (Greens): It’s time for a shake-up. As your representative in council, I’ll stand up for people, not profit. I’ll stop inappropriate development by supporting community-driven change and the long-term needs of the wider community. I will improve community wellbeing through more affordable housing and tenant protections, along with accessible and frequent public transport and green space. I’ll push for real action on climate change and support strong environmental and sustainability practices. I am a small business owner and have extensive experience in banking, finance, accounting and business management, along with management committee and finance roles in community and not-for-profit organisations.
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. You must include your name and suburb.
