Experienced councillor risks divisional role to run for Mayor

Sitting Cr Jason O’Pray ... “I’ve had amazing support from the small business community and the tourism industry. It’s quite humbling.”

by Janine Hill

SITTING councillor Jason O’Pray says he is the right person for the job of mayor of the Sunshine Coast.

Mr O’Pray is the only present or past councillor who has so far raised their hand for the mayor’s seat, which Mark Jamieson has announced he will not recontest at the March local government election.

Mr O’Pray said he was ready for the job and could start the next day.

“I’m experienced, I’m the right age – I’m 50. I’m fit and healthy. And I’ve got 12 years experience – 12 years on the council,” he said.

The division eight councillor has held the economic development portfolio, which includes tourism, aviation and digital services for the duration of his council career said it was time for him to “step up”.

His campaign is based on five pillars: protecting the Sunshine Coast lifestyle, the economy, community and community services, environment and sustainability, and infrastructure.

Sustainable growth

He said one of his priorities would be managing growth in a sustainable way.

“What we need to do is make plans in the next few years, with our population set to go to 500,000 by 2041. That’s a target set by the state government.

“That’s a terrific change and we need to make sure we’re on top of that and our planning scheme is the most important element of that.”

Mr O’Pray voted against the controversial Sekesui development proposal for Yaroomba which was approved by a majority of councillors, and eventually, a court, despite not meeting planning scheme requirements. 

He said his top priority if elected as mayor would be to double funding for sealing hinterland roads from $5 million to $10 million by 2028.

Hinterland Portfolio

He said he was also keen to establish a hinterland portfolio which he envisaged would be overseen by two divisional councillors and the mayor.

Mr O’Pray said he also wanted to extend work undertaken at the North Shore Sports Complex in his division to provide female team rooms and change rooms for female athletes and umpires to sports facilities in the hinterland.

“The Matilda effect is happening, not just in soccer. We are seeing increased female participation across all sorts of sports – AFL, hockey, surf life saving.”

Having achieved success with about 10 viewing decks along the coastline in his division, he also wants to make funds available for “lifestyle infrastructure” such as viewing decks in the hinterland.

Across the region, he wants to establish a cybersecurity strategy, trial kerbside rubbish collections, and look into the prospect of soft plastic recycling at the council’s new recycling facility, just off the highway at Bli Bli, and is keen to introduce a pensioner discount for pet registration.

Mr O’Pray said he talked to his daughters, aged 15 and 19, before making the final decision to run for mayor.

“There’s the good, the bad and the ugly with mayor, a lot of ugly. My girls have to be ready for that. That’s important.”

‘All or nothing. It’s a risk’

Mayoral candidates cannot run for election as councilors at the same time which means that if Mr O’Pray’s tilt at the top job is unsuccessful, he will no longer be on the council.

“It’s an all or nothing situation. It’s a risk. It does require a bit of courage,” he said.

“It does require the okay from the family because I do step out of the comfort zone to be mayor but I’ve had amazing support from the small business community and the tourism industry. It’s quite humbling,” he said.