Residents turn up to hear Division 5 candidates pitch for councillor
INCUMBENT Division 5 councillor Winston Johnston OAM has unabashedly endorsed hinterland-based mayoral candidate, Wayne Parcell, for the top job.
Organised by Maleny Forums, the only Maleny Meet the Candidates event (held on February 20) ahead of the March 16 council election saw Cr Johnston face off against Greens candidate, Tracy Burton, and independent Richard Bruinsma, in what was a well-behaved and informative evening, in front of about 150 residents.
With a list of pre-prepared questions from residents and asked by GC&M News Managing Editor, Mitch Gaynor, candidates were asked their opinion on everything from parking to paths, homelessness, youth engagement, as well as their environmental credentials.
Mr Bruinsma and Ms Burton did not name their preferred mayoral candidate, but Cr Johnston said anyone in the hinterland should be endorsing the Montville-based Mr Parcell, saying he had the community focus and economic expertise to handle the job.
“He’s the only Hinterland candidate, and I say if you want to get things done in the Hinterland you need to have a Mayor who understands the Hinterland,” Cr Johnston said.
Cr Johnston leveraged his extensive experience in local government and council process to offer pragmatic and fiscally relevant answers across the evening.
Cr Johnston said he had the ‘runs on the board’.
“I will to continue to progress Division 5 and Maleny from strength to strength,” he said.
Ms Burton presented thoughtful enquiry and proposed innovative, yet often measured solutions.
Ms Burton said her candidacy represented the culmination of a seven year goal, and she would bring commitment and dedication to the role if elected.
Ms. Burton said she was passionate about wanting to represent the community.
“When you go to vote it is a vote for the future. You are looking at who you want to represent you over the next four years.
“I hope that I’ve instilled my commitment, my energy and my activation of the community that I will bring. I enjoy representing voices and I enjoy fighting for what is right, and I enjoy a challenge,” Ms Burton added.
Mr Bruinsma said many of the initiatives discussed during the forum were long term, and he had the energy, capacity and willingness to learn to effectively lead these projects going forward.
“I’ve lived in Division 5 for 22 years, and been involved with every community. My unique experience and understanding of the community puts me in the best position to be the candidate to serve Division 5.
“I’d be excited to lead the community and push forward to negotiate with the necessary people to bring forward these desperately needed initiatives,” he concluded.
Main image: Division 5 candidates Cr Winston Johnston, Richard Bruinsma and Tracy Burton.
