Long-serving former Burdekin Shire mayor Lyn McLaughlin has thrown her hat back in the ring to contest the upcoming local election with present mayor Bill Lowis who’s held the role for the last four years.
In stark contrast to the two person competition for the Mayor’s seat, a total of 20 candidates have nominated for the six positions on the council. In ballot order they are: Suzette Wallace; Terry Cross; Chris Hyden; Ted Bawden; Tony Goddard; John Woods; Roger Piva; Pierina Dalle Cort; Arron Klumpp; Lyndy McCathie; Raelene Grantz; Eddie Smallwood; Des Viero; Cheryl Platt; Sue Perry; Richard Wall; Larry Bradford; Uli Liessmann; John Bonnano and and Ross Lewis.
Bill Lowis was born and bred in Home Hill and after completing high school in Ayr, he furthered his education and professional development in the Royal Australian Navy.
On completion of his service engagement in 1974 he moved his then young family to permanently reside in Home Hill operating his own business.
“My extensive experience with the building and construction industry, local government, rural education, small business, and water issues in the Burdekin district have provided me with awareness and knowledge of the shire’s people, natural assets. infrastructure and future potential,” Cr Lowis said.
Cr Lowis’s varied community contributions include but aren’t limited to supporting youth development through the Lions Club and the Home Hill Rotary Club; work as a foundation member of Burdekin Landcare which involved researching and developing an irrigation management plan and the necessary technology for the Burdekin; Chairing the Home Hill Community Bank steering committee and volunteering with the Cape Upstart Rural Fire Service.
“I’m also currently the patron, trustee and welfare representative of the RSL Home Hill sub-branch and I’ve been involved in the RSL since 1974.
Cr Lowis said if he’s re-elected he’ll lead council to efficiently deal with its business within budget on a whole of shire basis.
“My focus is on maintaining the principles of local government and to build on our achievements to date for a better Burdekin which will include industry development; increasing the permanent population; developing renewable energy projects and building community resilience.
He said other objectives include: increased storage and delivery infrastructure for rural water; expanding agricultural land development within the shire; constructing a second crossing on the Burdekin River; all tide access for recreational boating; continuing to urge for a Home Hill cyclone shelter; community infrastructure renewals and minimising the impact of flooding on the areas road network.
Lyn McLaughlin grew up on cane farm in the Gordonvale area and began her professional career as a primary and secondary school teacher and has over 40 years experience leading community/school/church/sporting organisations.
Her positions include: Vice-President of Queensland Netball, Deputy chair of RDA Townsville and North West Queensland Inc, Board member of Townsville Hospital and Health Board and Chair of NQ Dry Tropics.
Ms McLaughlin previously served the Burdekin Shire Council for six years as a councillor and eight years as mayor from 2004 to 2012.
“In the past four years I have chaired the Queensland Local Government Grants Commission visiting over 65 councils throughout the state; and I’m a board member of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority,” she said.
She said if elected her primary objectives for the city will concentrate on lowering rates; ensuring the Stage 2 Burdekin Dam and supply infrastructure for Burdekin Shire advances to allow for consolidation of the sugar industry and small crops industry and providing expansion for additional agricultural crops and support industries.
“I’d also like to see a water park/picnic area constructed for local families which would additionally further entice tourists to stop in the Burdekin.
“I will press for essential infrastructure improvements and repairs across roads, drainage, footpaths, water, and sewerage.”
Ms McLaughlin said she has a good working relationship with all political parties after being appointed to State Boards by both major parties.
“I’ll be strongly lobbying for the Federal and State Ministers to advance the development of infrastructure and private industries within the shire. I will also fight to ensure local firms and companies are given priority when project contracts are available to keep the money in the district which will lead to more employment and economic development.”
