The Gazette asked the candidates for an 80-word answer to the following question: “What’s the key message of your campaign? What’s the one main reason Nambour & Hinterland residents should vote for you and, respectfully, not the other mayoral/divisional candidates?” 

Here are their responses:

Mayoral Candidates:

• Rosanna Natoli: I’ve been serving the hinterland community through my volunteering and journalism for decades and I understand what makes this part of the world so special. I’m listening.  I have toured the region extensively and Nambour and hinterland residents have told me they feel ignored, overlooked, forgotten.  That has to stop. Funding has not been allocated fairly, and roads and footpaths have not been maintained. Noxious weeds are an issue. I will refocus on rates, roads and rubbish, plus revitalising.

• Min Swan: I am offering a new era of leadership where equity is the outcome and each part of our unique region will be identified and celebrated as a jewel in our crown.  We do not need a one size fits all approach. As an accessible Mayor committed to co-designing unified and vibrant communities, I will be by your side as we unlock the potential, solve the challenges, and build a relationship that leads to actual outcomes. You deserve action not words.

• Wayne Parcell: My mayoral commitment offers a vision founded in action for the community: seeing, hearing and acting for Nambour and The Hinterland. I offer compliance and consultation rather than cartels of influence. My service awards for authentic leadership qualifies me to negotiate complex issues for better outcomes.  Past performance is the best indicator of future delivery.  My 40 years of experience in government, small business and global business means I can deliver performance and not politics – change that matters to you.

• Michael Burgess: The new council must reduce borrowing & slash spending on “Special Projects” to return money to services &, particularly in the Hinterland, neglected infrastructure. The focus of economic development in the region must change from “boom bust” building in the Glitter Strip to diverse local energy production, compatible industry & high-value niche agriculture centred on Nambour. They must lobby hard to get the rail to Nambour duplication completed & grab any other infrastructure grants. Pool for Maleny would be nice!! 

• Ashley Robinson: I am the only candidate with a track record of listening, leading and effecting cultural change. I bring a whole of Sunshine Coast approach to the job. I grew up in Eudlo, went to school in Nambour and while I now live on the coast my connection to the hinterland remains strong. During this campaign I’ve been made aware of so many circumstances where the council has not listened and has wasted money while the hinterland missed out.

• Jason O’Pray: 1. Experience & teamwork: I have 12 years on the Sunshine Coast Council heading Economic Development. I have a wonderful working relationship with our 2000 Council staff and all three of the Hinterland incumbent councillors.  2. Hinterland policies: My commitment and number one item on my agenda as your Mayor, is to double the dirt-to-bitumen road program and establish a ‘Hinterland Portfolio’. 3. Proven track record: I will continue to protect the Nambour and Hinterland lifestyle. 

Div 5 Candidates: 

• Tracy Burton: As a retired high school teacher, former nurse and now community services worker, I am highly motivated to dedicate the next stage of my career to serving the people of Division 5 and working towards the betterment of our community.  Having lived in the hinterland for 15 years, and raising my two children here, I feel genuinely connected and passionate about the future of our local council.  With my strong organizational skills and strategic thinking abilities, I look forward to delivering stronger outcomes for our community. 

• Richard Bruinsma: Local people need someone like me on council. My careers in journalism and federal government have given me the skills to listen to local concerns, treat everyone with respect, to think on my feet, and make fair decisions that bring the best outcomes for the greatest number of people. 

I’ve lived locally for 22 years, I’m respectful to all, energetic and fit, experienced, approachable, dedicated and sensible. Importantly, I am truly independent, accountable only to local people and fixing their needs.

• Winston Johnston: Born, educated and living in Division 5 for my entire life, means that I have an intimate knowledge of the people, communities, infrastructure and needs of Division 5.  My lifetime service to this community and Local Government was recently recognised when awarded an OAM on Australia Day.  The knowledge and experience acquired over the past four years as Councillor, allows me to hit the ground running and be effective from day one, serving my community and delivering infrastructure improvements. 

Div 10 Candidates: 

• Camillo Primavera: The issues I stand for include:  Accountability for the impacts of state Government policies on our region; Homelessness as a humanitarian crisis – we need viable solutions now; Youth crime and community values; Escalating rates, fees and charges, and keeping control of expenditure; Re-examining the 15 minutes cities agenda, (Sunshine Coast Smart City framework), community consultation and human rights; Unsustainable and poorly planned development; Cost of living; Better support for the increasing homelessness and displaced families; Transparency in Council; Sustainable development.

• David Law: I work hard, inspire positive change, genuinely care about the communities of Nambour and Division 10. I belong to this place and have helped bring about real improvements over the past four years. Nambour’s entertainment sector is taking off; I’ve been guiding this process and want to continue. I’ve built strong relationships with migrants, indigenous people, business leaders, artists, musicians, the very wealthy and the rough sleepers. I really am ‘here for good’, fully independent with no conflicts of interest.

• Peter Walsh: I’m passionate about advocating for outcomes that will foster social cohesion, economic growth, and overall prosperity. This includes supporting initiatives to increase community safety and engagement, expansion in key infrastructure, improved waste management and timely delivery of maintenance and services while promoting community and sporting groups. Division 10 needs a strong representative that can effectively collaborate with all residents, community groups, services, and businesses to proactively address concerns, while working together towards creating a brighter future for all hinterland communities.

• Sue Etheridge: It’s time for a shake-up. Like most locals, I feel shut out of local government decisions, and I am fed up with seeing the impact of poor development. Our community needs to be heard and our voices respected. I’m standing this election to bring transparency, trust and integrity back to our Council. I am a small business owner and have extensive experience in banking, finance, accounting and business management, along with committee and finance roles in community and not-for-profit organisations.