BACK TO THE POLLS

Who Will Become The Next Whitsunday Mayor?

Local residents could be returning to the polls in as little as eight weeks’ time to vote for a new Mayor following the recent election which saw Andrew Willcox become Federal Member for Dawson, relinquishing his role of Mayor mid-term.

His departure from the Whitsunday Regional Council has left a vacancy for the top spot, and some familiar faces have now stepped forward to vie for the honour of becoming the new Mayor of the Whitsundays.

So far, four candidates have confirmed their nominations – Councillor Al Grundy, Councillor Jan Clifford, Acting Mayor Mike Brunker and local business owner Peter Hood.

Tell us the reason you are nominating for Mayor:

Al Grundy

I want to continue the journey of uniting our towns, a path ensuring each person in the community feels they can have a say that is heard and appreciated. I don’t plan on being a career politician, rather using my business and commercial background to provide strategic direction for the betterment of the region and those who live in our community.

I genuinely love the Whitsundays, its natural beauty, resources and good people, and am driven to get the best outcomes for all.

Jan Clifford

I'm nominating to become Mayor of the Whitsunday Regional Council to continue the great work done by Mayor Willcox in uniting the region and ensuring that all residents are given a fair and equitable go. I am looking to encourage investment, business growth and appropriate development throughout the Whitsundays and to allow the residents an opportunity to continue to enjoy living in this vibrant region and to grow the economy and employment opportunities.

Mike Brunker

Since the election I have been inundated with people from right across the region requesting that I run for Mayor. I believe I am still young enough and can still contribute enough, using all my experience from being in local government for the past 22 years to really benefit the region.

Peter Hood

A principal accountant, tax agent and forensic auditor with over 44 years of experience engaging with clients in The Whitsundays, throughout Australia and overseas. I am experienced in dealings with Federal, State and Local Governments for 44 years and a Whitsunday Local for 24 years. My Politics = Independent.

What skills and experience do you have that would make you a good fit for this role?

Al Grundy

In 1997 I moved to the Whitsundays and became a partner/director in a Sailing Company. In 2006 I was appointed to the board of Tourism Whitsundays and in 2016 appointed as Chairman. In this role, I advocated to all levels of government, securing additional funding for the area and achieving positive legislative change. In 2014 I received the Tourism and Business Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual to the Whitsundays.  

Jan Clifford

As a sitting councillor with the Whitsunday Regional Council since amalgamation in 2008 I have the experience and dedication to the community necessary to be Mayor. Besides being a very experienced Councillor I have wide and long term experience in a number of industries, committees and funding and focus groups and, as I have no outside business interests, I am able to commit all of that experience to the future growth and harmony of the entire Whitsunday Regional Council region.

Mike Brunker

I was Mayor of the Whitsundays and Bowen for 15 years, during which I was the 1st Mayor of the amalgamated regions. I believe in economic development – over the last few years, since Debbie, we have been assisted with state government and insurance money, but over the next few years we’re going to have to be out there lobbying for funds and letting everyone know we are open for business – I will ensure we always get our fair share for the region.

Peter Hood

If elected I would return 50 per cent of my mayoral salary back to the communities and work extended periods within the various operational areas of WRC; including Tourism Whitsundays and Work Depots to find out what makes them tick. I would also meet with two residents from each WRC Division every month to ensure that I stay focused on matters for their Communities, and I would bring WRC rates, fees and charges down without reducing the quality and delivery of services.

What would be your first priorities as Mayor?

Al Grundy

Establish a number of Strategic Advisory Groups, consisting of industry representatives, community groups, council officers and councillors, tasked with understanding relevant issues, identifying opportunities and achieving reasonable consensus on solutions before presenting to the council and broader community. Focus with urgency on finding a local solution to the shortage of affordable housing. Investigate further opportunities for our economic drivers, such as agriculture and tourism.

Jan Clifford

As Mayor I would like to see more engagement with the community; in particular those who reside in our smaller communities. It would be particularly helpful to hold public meetings after the budget in order to advise the residents of the how and why the budget is formulated, where and why the budget allocations are decided and receive feedback from our ratepayers and residents on that funding going forward.

Mike Brunker

It’s just a matter of a steady hand steering the ship so we can continue in the same direction. A couple of examples that I would be getting behind include the Bowen Marine Project and another initiative which is turning black plastic into fuel. We would keep going as we are budget wise, keep it circulating around the regions and making sure we only spend what we need.

Peter Hood

Conduct an internal forensic audit of WRC operations at zero cost to Ratepayers to smash the wastage trails. Improve the equality of life for Whitsundays families. Build opportunities to encourage existing businesses to prosper and grow. Properly represent The Whitsundays to all levels of government to grow our communities. Address the issues for improved community health, aged care facilities/services and residential rental accommodation.

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