A message from the Mayor
Thank you, Quilpie Shire
After many months of serious thought I have made the decision to not stand for re-election in the upcoming March local government election.
This has not been an easy decision to make, but after 23 years on council, 12 as Mayor, I feel the time is right.
I was first elected to council in 1997 as the only new councillor in a council of nine. At that time, we were paid a $120 meeting fee and rarely had more than 14 meetings a year.
A lot has changed since then. The responsibilities, time and commitment required is reflected in the well-paid positions councillors and mayors now hold.
I am proud of council’s collective achievements in my time as a councillor and mayor and feel confident that I will be leaving the position with an extremely competent and stable senior team in place.
Council is in an extremely healthy financial position, with a substantial and fully funded work program set for the next 12 months. This will give the new council ample opportunity to consider and set their own goals, ambitions and agenda for the future of the shire.
Being a councillor, and then mayor, has been an enormous honour and privilege. I have been incredibly fortunate and would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our community for your support over the past 27 years. I hope I have repaid some of your faith in me.
The Quilpie Shire, through its history, has traditionally produced stable competent councils with long standing mayors which has been to our great advantage. I sincerely hope and believe this will continue. I wish my successor my genuine best wishes and sincerely hope they enjoy a successful and rewarding time in the role.
I would like to thank the many councillors and staff that I have shared my time with and my family for their continued support over the years.
To the people of the Quilpie Shire, thank you once again. I believe we can all look forward to a bright and prosperous future.
Kind Regards
Stuart Mackenzie OAM
Mayor
