‘Transparent and accountable’: Mayoral candidates gun for local trust - FULL ARTICLE

Excerpt from Sumpton’s Gold Rush Gazette - Friday 23rd of February 2024

Mayoral candidates Tony McDonald, Liz Schmidt, and Frank Beveridge

The 2024 Local Government Elections kick off in March and the Charters Towers Mayoral Candidates have spared no time in sharing their beliefs.

Longtime champion of rural areas and dark horse in the race, Tony McDonald has taken a strong stance on transparency leading up to election day on March 16.

“I believe the Charters Towers region deserves a council that works for them,” Mr McDonald said.

“A council that’s open, they’ve got to be very open with the people, not very often it is.

“It’s got to be transparent and accountable, must be accountable to you, the people, who vote the Councillors and the Mayor in.”

Former Mayor Liz Schmidt announced her candidacy to praise on social media.

The former Mayor has also placed a large emphasis on having transparency from Council if elected.

“I just really want to go back and continue with the work that's been followed through by this council and move on making sure that everybody knows what's happening and why, where it's legal.” she said

The former Mayor also urged those elected to the Charters Towers Regional Council to focus on productivity, no matter the outcome of the election.

“The community is paying you to do a job,” she said.

“It's the same as any other job.

“You're a member of a board, you have a portfolio and responsibilities, you need to do that job.

“Whether you're the Mayor or Counsellors.”

While political shots have been fired toward incumbent Frank Beveridge, the Mayor was optimistic about the future of Charters Towers under his leadership.

“I'm incredibly positive and upbeat about Charters Towers' future,” Mr Beveridge said.

“I think we've got an incredible opportunity here with major projects like the Singapore Military Project, raising the Burdekin Dam wall, the Copper String.

“This will be a growth period in our history we haven't seen for a very long time.

“I believe I can work with the Council and deliver over and above what we have done this term, the next term.”

Voting will be held at Charters Towers Central State School, Richmond Hill State School, Pentland State School, and Ravenswood State School on election day.