Cloncurry Shire Council has added to the tributes of local legend Bob McDonald who died on Monday.
Mr McDonald was Cloncurry’s longest-serving councillor serving an incredible 40 years and revered by all that had the honour of working with him.
Mayor Greg Campbell said he would be remembered as an honest, intelligent and hard-working representative, dedicated to the betterment for North West Queensland through his contribution to local Government and the Australian beef industry.
“It is a great loss to the Cloncurry Community, his dedication and passion for the region was unsurpassable,” Cr Campbell said.
“It was an absolute privilege to have been a councillor alongside Bob and my heartfelt sympathy goes to Susan and his family.”
“Bob set a standard to which we should all aspire, he gave so much to the community and I am proud that his legacy will live on in Cloncurry at the Bob McDonald Library, a space that is enjoyed by so many within the community.”
Before his retirement in 2016 Cloncurry Shire Council held a celebration of his 40 year milestone as a Cloncurry Shire councillor and as the receiver of an Order of Australia Medal.
His wife Susan described her husband’s style in local government politics at the celebration.
“He is a unique man because he has an amazing ability to negotiate without you actually realising you’re conceding,” Mrs McDonald said.
“He can do an argument well but he can also be generous in his compliments to win you over.”
In business Bob McDonald at Brightlands station and his brother Don at Devoncourt station ran MDH Pty Ltd based in Cloncurry running 175,000 head of cattle across 11 properties in Northern Queensland and a feedlot in the Darling Downs.
Mr McDonald died in Brisbane after an illness, surrounded by members of his family.
Mr McDonald is survived by his wife Susan, and children Marjorie, Katie, Alistair, Adelaide and Eleanor.
The family thanked the Wesley Hospital staff for their care and asked for privacy at this time.
There will be a celebration of his life Cloncurry Shire Hall 1.30pm on Tuesday, March 27 followed by private burial.