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Review of Candidates for the Dalby Regional Council Election on 15 March 2008

Click on the links for each candidate to learn more....

MAYORAL CANDIDATES

Ray Brown (Moonie) - Mayor for all communities. Seeking your support to ensure all communities in our region prosper under the new council amalgamations.

  • 17 years in local government
  • 45 years old
  • 7 years as Deputy Mayor of the Tara Shire Council
  • Current chairman Dalby Regional Council Local Transition Committee
  • Looking forward to the challenges that face us in this new era of local government.

Warwick Geisel (Dalby) - Born and raised in Dalby, Mayor of Dalby since 1988, I am committed to

  • Maintaining the great lifestyle our region is renowned for and the modern country living it offers
  • Maintaining present shire offices and retaining local community identity
  • Ongoing development with the booming energy industry mining the resource rich Surat Basin
  • With the 20 years experience in local government I have made many contacts in federal, state and local governments as well as developers and energy companies
  • I offer many years of experience in local government with a committed and energetic approach to all matters impacting our communities.
  • I have an excellent working relationship with existing councils.
  • I love a challenge and I possess the leadership skills required and passion for the work at hand to bring the new Council together to work in harmony for the future.

Barry O'Shea (Dalby) - Looking to the future with experience to see it through

  • Working for the region's water
  • Chairman of the Condamine Balonne Water Committee for water quality
  • Chairman of the Dalby Water Supply Redevelopment Committee
  • The driving force behind the first community owned water desalination plant in Australia
  • Working for the regions communities
  • Founding director of the Condamine Alliance, funding Landcare etc
  • Chairman of the Library Board - Dalby, Bell, Jandoewae
  • Pioneered the establishment of Lifeline in the region
  • Deputy Mayor for 4 years, Councillor for 10 years
COUNCILLOR CANDIDATES

Graham Brandon (Chinchilla) - My skills and experience in local government will be an advantage

  • Retired Civil Engineer - consulting engineer for 33 years to local authorities
  • Conversant with roads and water; sewerage supplies; finance and town planning
  • Chinchilla Shire Councillor for 4 years (2004 - 2008)

Jeff Brown (Dalby) - My commitment as your councillor will be to serve all communities with integrity.

  • Former CEO Dalby Town Council
  • Lived in Dalby 44 years, actively involved in community organisations
  • Worked in local government 38 years with knowledge and experience to assist with the challenges of the state government's reform process
  • Advocate for name change to Western Downs Regional Council, to equally represent all communities
  • All current council offices and depots to remain open
  • Meetings to be held on a rotational basis in all communities
  • Community consultation to be at the forefront in all major projects
Graham Cobb (Chinchilla) - I'm running for council to ensure all outer and inner areas get a fair go in such a BIG shire. I may only be a small fish, and pretty down to earth at that. But I BELIEVE in equity.

Mick Cosgrove (Bell) - We must make the new council work for the people and have a strong plan to make the most of our resources.

  • Wambo Shire Mayor for last 4 years
  • 16 years as councillor
  • Many years of service on community committees
  • Will work to treat all areas in the council fairly
  • Build an effective and harmonious council
  • Keep qualified staff so we can continue to improve services
  • Have community input into our plans for the future
  • Lobby for government to invest in the infrastructure we need for our planned growth
  • Invest in facilities that improve the liveability of our region so people live and work locally

Darryl Donald (Jandowae) - "Proudly Rural" I look forward to the opportunity to represent you in the new Dalby Regional Council:

  • 36 years local government experience and genuine dedication to representing and leading our communities
  • I've done the hard yards and am prepared to go further
  • Regional focus on improving conditions for all communities
  • Improved waste facilities and partnerships to improve secure access to water for our region
  • Continued support for improved community and sporting facilities for all
  • Focus on regional development which benefits all communities
  • Sound financial management with proven track record as chair of Dalby Wambo Saleyards for 25 years
  • Currently a local transition committee representative for Wambo Shire

Glenys Gaske (Chinchilla) - If elected, I would work to establish rate payer and progress associations in the communities within the regional council. I will ensure these associations have their views heard.

  • Chinchilla Shire councillor 4 years
  • 15 years involvement in community organisations
  • Long term member of Regional Arts Development Committee, served on State Reference Panel
  • Undertake to work full time for all regions
  • Will work to ensure local communities benefit from the resource boom
  • support our residents who are adversely affected by development

Charlene Hall (Dalby) - I promise to support the voice of the community of the entire Western Downs Regional Council. I am tired of battling our council with little or no representation and I am frustrated that the same ones are running again. This is our chance to get a bit of SAY back in our community.

  • We live in each town in this region because we love it, many have been here for generations. We want our children to enjoy the same experiences we had. and whilst our district is changing and growing beyond our control, I believe it is more important to ensure that the fibre of our towns remain intact and that the little things that make each town special are reserved.

Kevin Hauff (Bell)

  • Current Wambo Shire councillor, formerly Blackall Shire councillor
  • Buyer and supplier prime lambs to local butchers and processors
  • Active member Bell Show & Rodeo, Bell Race Club, Bell & District Progress Assoc, Agforce
  • I enjoy the challenges of helping the community to benefit fully by utilizing funding resources available
  • Will ensure you have representation from day one whilst acting within council Code of Conduct regulations with full respect for fellow councillors and their right to voice their own opinions

John Hart (Dalby) - My shop will be my office

  • Local barber for 46 years
  • 23 years experience in local government, 13 years as deputy mayor
  • Has experience needed to cover and keep in touch with whole regional council area
  • Will listen to all people in new council, something he has done for past 23 years

Ray Jamieson (Meandarra ) - By putting myself out there and being accessible to the community I will do more than just "talk the talk", I'm prepared to "walk the walk".

  • Qualities to deliver the right outcomes whilst employing my philosophy of honesty, justice and equity
  • New council should not only be about strategic planning and development but maintaining all the services that each individual shire now enjoys
  • Need to encourage economic development whilst considering the effect on lifestyles
  • Strive to retain the strong sense of community that already exists and promote integration throughtout the shire.
  • Current Tara shire councillor
  • School Bus Operators with buses servicing the Hannaford and Meandarra schools.
  • Breeder stud Poll Hereford cattle/bulls on property in the Hannaford/Meandarra district.

Glen Latemore (Dalby) - Committed to making the new regional council work through honest representation

  • Current Dalby Town councillor
  • I would like to change council's response to community expectations and needs and to do this will have to seek the support of at least four other councillors across the region which will ensure an unbiased decision.
  • I want to be a voice on council and enable all areas to receive a fair and honest representation and to get it right

Grace Laws (Chinchilla) - For passionate, inspiring, dynamic and accountable leadership, vote GRACE.

  • Current Chinchilla Shire councillor
  • Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science
  • Migrated to Australia 22 years ago
  • Will encourate to embrace a sense of regional unity rather than local parochialism
  • A strong advocate on issues such as health, arts and culture, youth programs, road safety, water problems and other community infrastructures

Bill McCutcheon (Brigalow) - Knowledge, experience, honesty, full representation

  • Current Mayor Chinchilla Shire Council
  • Farmer and former polocrosse player at State and National levels
  • Chairman Western Downs Regional Organisation of Councils
  • Have good knowledge of processes required at local, state and federal levels to achieve the best outcomes for our communities
  • I have always prided myself in being a team player and will dedicate my efforts in representing all the residents of regional council and endeavour to ensure that all communities are treated as equally as possible during the critical transition process now in front of us all.
  • I would consider it an honour and a privilege to be your councillor on the new regional council

George Moore (Miles) - Young, involved and ready to serve:

  • Passionate supporter of our region
  • Strong family values
  • 19 years local government experience - Assistant Technical Supervisor
  • Fourth generation local farmer/grazier, 36 years of age
  • Dedicated and active community member

Greg Nearhos (Dalby)

  • Current councillor Dalby Town Council
  • Will work to promote this region as the place where the balance between lifestyle and work can be achieved; healthy and happy families with solid employment opportunities for young and old
  • Manage integration of all operations once managed by 6 councils, achieving this with the least level of anguish

Gregory Olm (Chinchilla)

  • Current Chinchilla Shire councillor (8 years)
  • 33 years working in the grain industry
  • Will work to ensure all residents and rate payers receive fair representation

Ian Rasmussen (Dalby, formerly /Maclagan) - At this critical point for Dalby Region's future..ensure that you are not forgotten!

  • 47 year old family man, teacher, farmer and business man, a man with a mission. Young enough to have enthusiasm, drive and passion, but old enough to have experienced many walks of life
  • Skills in leadership, management, financial control, planning, community development, sport and recreation, teenage education and jobskill training
  • I will safeguard equal rights for all communities, small and large; ensure a strong voice in council for every single resident, no matter where you live; be a representative on council who will make certain that you are never forgotten

Andrew Smith (Condamine) - Fresh, energetic, prepared for the challenge

  • Our region is at a crossroad both economically and socially. We have a wonderful opportunity right now to make good decisions which will consolidate our future. I am ready for the challenge.
  • Condamine-Murilla Shire economic development officer

Maurice Smith (Chinchilla) - Takes pride in representing our greatest asset "The People"

  • Local government experience 20 years councillor, 8 years deputy mayor
  • Knowledge of region - rural and urban
  • Committed to local communities and their future
  • Support youth activities - school chaplains
  • Retain and promote saleyards
  • Promote further developments in region - power, coal, gas, other industries, tourism
  • Current Chinchilla Shire councillor
  • Stock and station agent

Denis Sommerfeld (Tara) - Have your voice heard. With 11 years in local government, I am dedicated to:

  • Preserving the infrastructure and improving the services in the communities of the new regional council
  • Combating land degradation, environmental planning and waste management
  • Encouraging guidance and supporting the youth by maintaining youth groups
  • Representing and assisting the businesses/organizations of the Western Downs
  • Changing the name of the Dalby Regional Council to unite the entire region
  • Listening to the people with their concerns and comments
  • Runs a Santa Gertrudis Stud
  • Current Tara Shire councillor

Ian Staines - Ensuring that all residents and ratepayers receive a fair deal.

  • Current Taroom Shire councillor
  • Offering relative youth with 11 years in local government, 20 years in rural business
  • New super council will require mental mobility and a progressive attitude
  • Management of the huge resource extraction process and resultant development, ensuring that exploitation of our region's resources leaves lasting benefits in our communities and region.
  • Please read my media release

Carolyn Tillman (Dalby) - Connecting our Communities with Commitment and Care

  • Born and raised in Dalby
  • Councillor Dalby Town for 10 years - currently Spokesperson for Community Well Being
  • Active on many local committees
  • Kindergarden Director and After School/Vacation Care, Dalby PCYC
  • Committed to represent all residents
  • Work with all residents to rename our region
  • Preserve and enhance the identity of all our towns and areas
  • Maintain and improve community facilities in each town
  • Work with you to ensure a vibrant, sustainable future
  • Ensure that council is balanced with a focus on culture and community
  • Finalise Cultural Mapping of new region
  • Offer a woman's point of view
  • Continue to be an advocate for the youth of our region

Ross Thornton (Dalby) I am passionate about our region, please give me your support to use this experience and my energy to ensure the new regional council continues to deliver for ALL residents.

  • 51 year old family man
  • Owner/operator Dalby Country Antiques
  • Supporter of junior and senior soccer, cricket and Pioneer Park Museum
  • 17 years Councillor Dalby Town Council
  • Committed to fair shire wide representation, no forced staff relocation or retrenchments
  • Maintaining current council office locations
  • Ensure resources boom benefits entire region
  • Fair rating system (not site valuation based)
  • Improved facilities and services to ALL
  • Supporting local communities