John Brent
What do you believe is the most important issue affecting the region?
The Scenic Rim is rapidly developing to become Queensland’s second fastest growing region. We must prepare for this growth by delivering infrastructure and attracting new business investment to develop jobs and amenities, whilst ensuring the preservation of our treasured lifestyle.
As a life-long resident and local agricultural business owner these are issues I can both understand and I am the only candidate with the runs on the board to ensure that these things happen.
Are you affiliated with one of Queensland’s Political Parties?
I played an instrumental part in ensuring a stop to CSG in the Scenic Rim; utilising my close working relationship with Premier Campbell Newman. Furthermore, my long involvement with government, environment, community and business groups means that I have a multi-faceted understanding of the direct needs of our community.
As such, I am the only candidate who has the ability to work in close partnership with the new State Government to manage the coming growth and interest in the Scenic Rim, and to promote our beautiful region at this level and across our nation.
What motivated you to run for mayor?
Though the first term of the newly amalgamated council was challenging, through the cooperation of most councillors we have emerged financially stronger than when we started. We achieved record spending on roads and bridges and through direct and widespread consultation we developed the ‘Community Plan’, documenting a shared vision for the Scenic Rim.
I am also proud to say that we distributed almost $500,000 in community grants funding. There is still much more to be done, and I have shown that I can deliver.
If you could send a message to voters what would it be?
I value our townships and the communities within them and whether it’s meeting you out on the road, in the paddock, or at the office I am a local who listens and I will work tirelessly to advocate your issues, and make the changes you want to happen in our region.
The foundations have been laid for a bright future. Vote to re-elect John Brent, and let’s keep it that way!
Wendy Creighton
What are you top 3 main policies?
- Focus on restoring roads
- Keep rate rises to CPI or lower
- Listen to people first, and then decisions which meet their needs will follow
What do you believe is the most important issue affecting the region?
Protecting our lifestyle and our environment from overdevelopment, inappropriate development and mining and from a Council that does not understand or heed the communities it serves.
Are you affiliated with one of Queensland’s Political Parties?
No. I was a member of the Liberal Party before it became the LNP and still have many friends who are members, but I believe there is no place in local government for Party Politics. The Mayor must be answerable to the ratepayers not a political party.
What motivated you to run for mayor?
I was motivated to stand for Mayor after listening to endless excuses from Council on why overspending was ‘necessary’ - and watching roads and services decay in every community in the region. We deserve better. I have studied and analysed local government and have run a small business in the region for 30 years.
I was born here and with my husband, brought our six sons up here. I have been an active worker in a diverse range of community groups and helped instigate a variety of innovative and successful community enhancement projects.
We need to change the inbred local government culture. I have the skills, the capabilities and the passion to lead a Council that considers the needs of the people first, in all its undertakings.
If you could send a message to voters what would it be?
Please ask yourself: are better off now than you were four years ago? If the answer is no, then only one thing can change that. A change in how you vote.
Joy Drescher
What do you believe is the most important issue affecting the region?
- Council, Staff, Community working together for the betterment of all in our Shire.
- To improve our local roads and to improve them permanently.
- To improve and foster local businesses and business opportunities.
What appears to be the most important issue affecting the region?
The most important issue in the area appears to be roads and transport opportunities.
Are you affiliated with one of Queensland’s Political Parties?
I am running as an Independent but a member of the LNP – but fiercely independent (the party is NOT supporting me financially or directing policy).
What motivated you to run for mayor?
I love the Scenic Rim area and its people. I believe I did a jolly good job as Beaudesert Mayor pre-amalgamation and I intend to do so again.
If you could send a message to voters what would it be?
Bring back the Joy on Saturday! Vote ONE, Joy Drescher, Come what may!
To improve business, tourism and roads, To Improve community spirit by bucket-loads!
We must work together, whatever the weather
So Vote ONE for Joy Drescher on Saturday.
As that, you know, is the proven way!
Joy’s involved with Arts in the Olives Festival
Beaudesert Bush Bards, Open Studio Trails as well.
And Beaudesert Museum, Rotary and the great U3A!
All of these things you can check out in May!
So come and visit – Come and Stay!
Bring Back the Joy on Saturday!
Derek Swanborough
What are your top 3 main policies?
- Cap the rates at CPI for 4 years.
- Cut the waste and top heavy bureaucracy.
- End the secrecy, open the books, empower councillors and take back control so that we have a local democracy that will represent ratepayer’s interests.
What do you believe is the most important issue affecting the region?
Protecting liveability, lifestyle and environment by managing growth in a sustainable way.
Are you affiliated with one of Queensland’s Political Parties?
Never been a member of a Political party, it is best that a Mayor be independent and not obedient to a political party.
Resident’s interests come first.
What motivated you to run for mayor?
After 31 years in large SEQ Councils, from the very start of the Scenic Rim four years ago I was shocked by what I was seeing. Financial mismanagement, salary grabs, the culture of secrecy and closed decision making, and the poisonous bullish behaviours against anyone who disagreed with them.
There was too much waste and self-interest occurring evidenced by the unnecessary grab for ratepayer’s dollars when no attempts were being made to cut costs. They just were not listening to the will of the people evidenced by so many planning decisions that left residents in dismay.
I felt that any other person coming into the Mayor’s job without my type of skills and knowledge, would be once again absorbed by the bureaucracy, and not be strong enough to transform it. I see that most new councillor candidates are embracing my reform agenda.
If you could send a message to voters what would it be?
Change is necessary, not more of the same for another 4 years. The current Council have run out of ideas and the current bureaucracy say they can’t do any better.
There is a need to turn the organisation upside down to put ratepayers first
- Millions of dollars needs to be re-prioritised into front line services, meaning a reshaping of the top heavy bureaucracy.
- WE must scrap the Beaudesert library extravagance, a monument to how a Council ignores the wishes of its people.
- All delegations to the CEO must be reviewed and elected councillors put back in control.