After a tight race Liz Schmidt has emerged as the victor in the Charters Towers mayoral election with the result officially declared on Thursday.
The long-time livestock transport operator said her primary aim over the next four years of her term is to provide Charters Towers and its surrounding districts with a stable, open and transparent government that consults with the community and where possible implements the communities wishes.
Ms Schmidt will be joined by the six elected councillors which include sitting member Roma Bailey and new recruits Sonia Bennetto; Alan Barr; Brett Maff; Mike Power and Graham Lohmann.
“We have a committed qualified and enthusiastic team which is a team of your choice and we’re ready to work for the community,” she said.
“Charters Towers is open for business and the doors are open to the community, your councillors will be available to you, we will expect you to come to us with issues and we will listen.”
“I have three A4 sheets with a list of priorities that I gathered prior too and during the election campaign and your new council will work with already identified priorities and new ones to grow and develop this region.”
An item very high on Ms Schmidts list of priorities is to see the development of an all-weather inland north-south highway as part of the North Australia Initiative, which she has been advocating for a very long time.
“In my previous roles I have worked with all levels of government and the CSIRO to ensure that the concept is top of mind in all government and bureaucratic areas, it’s imperative that the city is transformed into the transport “hub” it should be.
Regarding the flying fox situation at Lissner Park in the heart of the city Ms Schmidt said she’ll be holding discussions with Government departments and experts who have moved flying foxes on in their own communities.
“We’ll do what needs to be done. I have contacts with the bat hospital at Atherton and we need to engage with those people who understand the animals and what is the best way to deter them.”
Other issues topping Ms Schmidt’s agenda include:
- Improving water access for domestic, industrial and agricultural use within the region.
- Putting in place a real “buy local” policy within council and the community.
- Encouraging new industries within Charters Towers and seeking out interest for other industries as well as driving the local jobs for locals agenda.
- Continuing to work with investors who are interested in enhancing any industry in the region includes the continued development of the proposed beef processing plant.
“I would like to thank those who encouraged me to put my hand up to give them an alternative and those who voted for the change that this region so badly needs.
“You as a community has taken a leap of faith in me, I am grateful to those people who saw my potential and the potential of this amazing team.
“It’s an honour to have the community support to make the necessary changes that will return this region to its best.
“It’ll be a big job but we won’t know how big until we get our feet under the table, but I have every confidence that this team will score goals for the community.”
