THE race to become Redland City’s next mayor is taking shape, with five candidates declaring they will nominate for the position.
Voters will elect a replacement for former mayor Jos Mitchell, whose October 28 resignation triggered a compulsory by-election held before the end of December.
While the formal nomination timetable is yet to be released, Cr Julie Talty and Cr Rowanne McKenzie were the first councillors to publicly announce campaigns for the city’s top job.
Cr Talty, who has been Acting Mayor since Ms Mitchell began medical leave in May, is pitching herself as the steady hand needed after a turbulent six months.
“I’ve been sitting in the role since May 10, and I’ve done my very best to put the chaos of the Jos era behind us,” Cr Talty said.
She rejected suggestions the council chamber remained deeply divided following Ms Mitchell’s resignation.
“I can honestly say there’s not a huge divide,” she said.
“We’re working together in the chamber and communicating with one another.”
Cr Talty says the city now needed stability, budget repair and a fresh start after years of political turmoil.
But Cr McKenzie has entered the contest with a different pitch, focusing on financial sustainability, infrastructure, responsible growth and greater transparency.
The two-term Division 7 councillor said the Redlands faced defining decisions on population growth, the new City Plan, major infrastructure and the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.
“The decisions we make today will determine what the Redlands looks like for decades to come,” Cr McKenzie said.
She said about 90 per cent of Council’s rate base was residential, placing too much pressure on households.
“We cannot simply continue asking residential ratepayers to shoulder an increasing share of the cost of running our city,” Cr McKenzie said.
Her platform includes growing the commercial and industrial rating base, supporting local businesses and jobs, tightening Council expenditure and prioritising core services such as roads, drainage, parks, water, wastewater and waste collection.
Cr McKenzie has also promised to fight for infrastructure before major development particularly in the proposed Southern Thornlands Priority Development Area, which could eventually accommodate about 8000 homes and 24,000 residents.
“My position is simple. Infrastructure must come before development, not the other way around,” she said.
Cr McKenzie has flagged greater disclosure around major projects, including costs, funding and financial risks linked to the Birkdale Community Precinct.
Former Capalaba MP Don Brown has announced he will also contest the upcoming mayoral by-election, unveiling a plan to restore unlimited free green waste disposal for Redlands residents on weekends.
Mr Brown says he wants Council to get “back to basics”, arguing locals are paying higher charges while services are scaled back.
Mr Brown says he would bring back free weekend green-waste disposal – allowing residents to take lawn clippings, branches and garden waste to the tip without worrying about using up a limited number of visits.
“Residents take pride in their homes, gardens and neighbourhoods,” he said.
“They shouldn’t be penalised for doing the right thing and keeping our city looking beautiful.”
His campaign will also focus on roads, parks, sporting facilities and infrastructure delivery, with Mr Brown taking aim at the proposed Birkdale Whitewater Centre.
“I’m putting my hand up because I believe Redlands can do better,” he said.
Former One Nation and Trumpet of Patriots candidate Gary Williamson has also declared his intention to run, alongside Redland Bay solicitor Jasmine Person.
Ms Person said the vote was expected in about six weeks and appealed for the support of her friends.
Meanwhile, former Federal MP Dr Andrew Laming and Champion Redlands Coast CEO Cindy Corrie have both ruled themselves out of another tilt.
