Noosa Council has still to be declared by the Electoral Commission Queensland though with more than 80 per cent of the vote counted it’s looking like our six predicted councillors will be Amelia Lorentson, Jess Phillips, Nicola Wilson, Brian Stockwell, Karen Finzel and Tom Wegener.
The Noosa population has returned four incumbents and elected two newcomers in Jess Phillips and Nicola Wilson and with Frank Wilkie expected to become Mayor, though that is also still undeclared, there will be a majority of women in council.
Noosa Today this week asked the six new predicted councillors the following questions on the election, their campaigns and the term ahead, and they have provided responses for Friday’s edition.
Questions:
1. How do you interpret the election results? What message do you think the community is sending the council through its vote?
2. What are your reflections on the campaign? Do you think it’s been fair? Are there things you would have done differently?
3. What will your first priorities be when you begin the new term as a councillor? What do you hope to achieve during your term?
Starting us off today; we’ve got Amelia Lorentson’s election refections, with each new predicted councillor to have their say by Friday.
Interpreting election results and community message:
“The election results reflect a diverse range of opinions and priorities within our community. It’s clear that the community is sending a message to the council through its vote, indicating a desire for change, unity, and increased engagement. The strong support for certain candidates, particularly women, highlights a shift towards valuing diverse perspectives and leadership styles.”
Reflections on the campaign and fairness:
“Reflecting on the campaign, I believe it has been a mix of fair and challenging moments. While there were instances of constructive dialogue and healthy competition, there were also times when the discourse turned negative or divisive. I took a hands-on approach to my campaign and led it with authenticity. However, reflecting on my experience, there might be a few areas where having additional support or resources could have been beneficial.”
First priorities as councillor and goals for the term:
“As I begin the new term as a councillor, my first priorities will be to listen more attentively to the community’s concerns and engage them on matters that are important to them. I aim to facilitate open dialogue through community forums, surveys, council meetings in different neighbourhoods, and informal coffee chats to ensure diverse voices are heard.
During my term, I hope to achieve greater community cohesion by actively seeking community solutions to key issues and building stronger relationships between the council and residents.”
Additional comments:
“The strong woman vote reflects a positive trend towards embracing diversity and inclusion in leadership roles. However, the community’s division underscores the need for greater efforts to bridge gaps and foster unity.
A key observation is the perceived lack of engagement and communication from the council, indicating the importance of adopting a more open-facing approach. By prioritising community engagement and actively listening to residents, we can work collaboratively towards a better future for our community.”
