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Elected Representatives

The new South Burnett Regional Council has 6 electoral divisions, with 6 councillors and 1 mayor. If you're not sure which division you are in and who your local councillor is, check the attached divisional map.

 

 

Mayor and Councillors' Contact Details

 

 

Mayor - Cr Ian David Carter - Cr David Carter was born and educated in Gympie and completed a Diesel Fitter apprenticeship with Widgee Shire Council in 1978. His family has strong ties to the South Burnett community, with his grandfather selecting fertile farming blocks near Murgon in the early 1900’s. The Carter home properties are located at Boondooma in the west of the South Burnett Regional Council area, and for 30 years David was a duboisia grower and manager of the family export company. His career in Local Government has spanned a total of 15 years. Elected to the Wondai Shire Council in 1994 he went on to serve as Deputy Mayor for nine years and Mayor for four years. Following amalgamation of the former shires of Kingaroy, Murgon, Nanango and Wondai, he is proud to have been elected as the first Mayor of the South Burnett Regional Council in March 2008. Mayor Carter believes that the South Burnett as a region has all the necessary attributes to ensure continued growth, both socially and economically. His overriding vision and direction are to maintain individual community identities whilst developing a culture of unity to drive the South Burnett region into the future. Projects of particular interest to David include technology, rural issues, healthy communities and community transport infrastructure. He is presently Chairman of the Burnett Inland Economic Development Organisation (BIEDO), Vice-President of the Wide Bay Burnett Regional Organisation of Councils and Chairman of the South Burnett Health Community Council.

Contact Cr Carter on (07) 4162 6255 wk / 0429 999 029 / mayor@southburnett.qld.gov.au

 

 

 

Division 1 - Cr Barry Green - Cr Green was a Councillor for eight years with Nanango Shire Council during the 1980’s, a period of growth following the construction of Tarong Mine. He has a long association with rugby league and sport in general, and spent many years working in radio in the South Burnett area. He was elected in 2008 as the Division 1 Councillor for South Burnett Regional Council. Cr Green is keen to further develop and promote tourism in the region, which he sees as having enormous potential. Another issue he is keen to pursue is the need for a regional transport system, to allow residents to access employment, health and medical and sporting and leisure activities within the region. Currently, public transport options in the South Burnett are virtually non existent, something Cr Green strongly feels needs to be addressed. Division 1 Map

Contact Cr Green on 0417 767 444 / bgreen@southburnett.qld.gov.au

 

 

 

 

Division 2 - Cr Debra Palmer - Cr Palmer learned about civic service as daughter of long-serving Nanango Shire Councillor, Kevin Allery. Determined to make a difference to the community, and representing Division 2, Cr Palmer was elected for the first time at the 2008 elections. Learning on her feet, Cr Palmer is enjoying the challenge of working through community issues with residents, and being part of the first South Burnett Regional Council. She has business interests in Blackbutt, operating the local newsagency with her family. Division 2 Map

Contact Cr Palmer on 0419 769 994 / dpalmer@southburnett.qld.gov.au

 

 

 

 

Division 3 - Cr Damien Tessmann - Cr Tessmann was just 18 years old when he first ran for Council at a by-election for the former Kingaroy Shire Council. Although not successful, Damien continued with plans to run again in 2008, when he successfully stood for Division 3 of the new South Burnett Regional Council. Once comfortable with the Council workload, Cr Tessmann intends to continue his study towards his Bachelor of Arts. He has a strong interest in community, and sees his election to Council as an opportunity to help solve those issues that residents feel so passionately about. Cr Tessmann’s professional interests include a family dairy farm at Coolabunia, which five generations of  Tessmann’s have now worked. Division 3 Map

Contact Cr Tessmann on 0409 490 175 /  dtessmann@southburnett.qld.gov.au

 

 

 

 

Division 4 - Cr Keith Campbell - Cr Campbell has 9 years experience as a Councillor with the former Kingaroy Shire Council and is honoured to have been elected to represent Division 4 in the South Burnett Regional Council. Cr Campbell has a hands-on role in the local community through his involvement with such groups as Meals on Wheels, St John’s Lutheran Primary School and the Kingaroy Chamber of Commerce, among others. He is keen to continue improving community assets and developing the South Burnett region as a great place to live, work and play. Division 4 Map

Contact Cr Campbell on 0439 708 553  /  kcampbell@southburnett.qld.gov.au

 

 

 

Division 5 - Cr Kathy Duff -This is Cr Duff’s second term in local government, having served four years at Wondai Shire Council. She believes that the South Burnett is more fortunate than other amalgamated councils due to the close relationship that the four shires had developed through community of interest. Councillor for Division 5, Cr Duff sees an opportunity to promote tourism, attract new industry and business, coordinate regional events and lobby for funding with a united voice. Cr Duff has professional interests in cattle grazing and the timber industry and has a strong interest in the equine industry. Division 5 Map

Contact Cr Duff on 0437 020 705 /  kduff@southburnett.qld.gov.au

 

 

 

 

Division 6 - Cr Cheryl Dalton - This is Cr Dalton’s fourth term in local government, having served three terms as a Councillor for Kingaroy Shire Council, where she managed the Water and Sewerage Portfolio. Representing Division 6, Cr Dalton continues her interest in water infrastructure in the South Burnett Regional Council, recognising that water management is of vital importance at all levels of government and she is also currently a member of two State Government panels dealing with water planning and management. Planning and Development in the South Burnett is another area in which Cr Dalton has a real interest and is proud to be involved with shaping the development of a South Burnett Regional Council Planning Scheme. Her community interests are many and varied, and she has a long-standing association with Wooroolin Scout group and other local committees. Cr Dalton has business interests in agriculture and machinery in the Wooroolin area. Division 6 Map

Contact Cr Dalton on 0488 798 275 /  cdalton@southburnett.qld.gov.au

 

 

 

What is the role of a councillor?

Councillors represent their community to ensure the good rule and governance of their electoral area. In summary, councillors are responsible for:

  • planning for the delivery of services to the community
  • strategic planning for the future of the community
  • making local laws
  • adopting and implementing policy
  • administrating local government
  • enforcing legislation

Councillors have regular meetings to make decisions and to discuss local issues. Councillors focus on the policy directions of the local government, not the internal day-to-day administration of the local government. The role of councillors is to make decisions, which council officers can then implement on their behalf.

 

What is the role of the mayor?

The mayor has the duties of a councillor with the added responsibility of:

  • running Council meetings
  • representing the local government at civic or ceremonial functions

 

Councillors' Code of Conduct

The South Burnett Regional Council has a strong commitment to open, accountable and ethical government. The Code of Conduct for Councillors sets out behaviours and, responsibilities for councillors as required under the Local Government Act 1993.

The key ethics principles of the code reflect the unique nature of councillors' responsibilities within the context of local government. The ethics principles are:

  • integrity of local government
  • primacy of the public interest
  • independence of action
  • appropriate use of information
  • transparency and scrutiny
  • appropriate use of entitlements

The code sets out the statutory, ethical and behavioural obligations by which councillors must abide. It outlines breaches and penalties under the Local Government Act, and describes how to make a complaint about a breach of the code.

 

Councillor Statement of Interest Extracts

It is a requirement under section 248 (5b) of the Local Government Act 1993 to display extracts of a Councillor’s Statement of Interest Form, for the following sections:

  • gifts received;
  • hospitality benefits received;
  • memberships of organisations.

Download the Councillors Statement of Interest Extracts

 

Remuneration for elected representatives

Remuneration levels for councillors are set by an independent state government convened tribunal. Prior to amalgamation this was a matter for the individual council. Each year the tribunal undertakes a review of the remuneration levels and publishes a report with their recommendations. For further information on the remuneration of councillors contact the Department of Local Government, Sport and Recreation or download the most recent  Local Government Remuneration Tribunal Report. Past reports are also available via this link.

 

Councillors' expenses and facilities policy

Council has adopted the ‘Reimbursement of Expenses and the Provision of Facilities for Councillors Policy' in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 section 250AT.

The policy ensures compliance with statutory requirements and community expectations relating to the payment or reimbursement of legitimate expenses and the provision of facilities. It also ensures councillors have the facilities and support necessary to perform their civic duties as elected representatives of their local communities.

Download the Reimbursement of Expenses and Provision of Facilities for Councillors Policy