ACROSS the last two days, two candidates have announced their intention in running for Mayor at the March 2024 Sunshine Coast Council elections.
Division 8 Sunshine Coast Councillor Jason O’Pray announced on December 19 that he intends to run, after being in his current position since 2012, stating the time was right to step up and run for mayor.
“Why am I running for mayor? The people of the Sunshine Coast deserve an experienced, steady set of hands, someone who knows what they’re doing and is ready to start right now,” he said.
“I’ve had 12 years heading economic development, tourism, sport, major events, food, agriculture, cleantech industries, aviation, digital services and of course our wonderful small businesses.”
Owner of event management agency White House International, Min Swan, has also thrown her hat in the ring to run for mayor.
Ms Swan grew up in the Sunshine Coast, and after a stint of living in Sydney, she has been back on the Coast for 15 years.
She believes that with her strong business background, she can be a real asset as the Sunshine Coast’s next mayor.
“My vast business background in negotiation and change management, coupled with my genuine interest in connecting people for the greater good, I believe places me in good stead to represent the Sunshine Coast in a collaborative and productive way,” she said.
“With the Sunshine Coast firmly planted on the world stage over the next nine years in the leadup to the Olympic and Paralympics Games in 2032, I know that the next four years are critical to fighting for the Sunshine Coast to balance the needs of the local community with the opportunities that exist for growth, especially regarding infrastructure, public transport, accessibility and diversity.”
Jason O’Pray and Min Swan join mayoral candidates Wayne Parcell, festival director of Rangebow and Montville resident, Rosanna Natoli, Channel 7 Sunshine Coast journalist, and Michael Burgess, local businessman.
