Reported in the Advocate 2.5.2012
KATE MORRISSY kate.morrissy@ayradvocate.com.au
FRESH faces have taken over the Burdekin Shire Council following the Local Government elections last weekend, with half of the six positions available being filled by new councillors.
Five out of the six positions are all but confirmed, with the last position coming down to outstanding postal votes.
As of 12.20pm Tuesday, Ross Lewis had 4620 confirmed votes, while Treena List was not far behind with 4527.
Of the confirmed councillors, Uli Liessmann, who took out top position with 5654 votes, said he would be more than happy to take up the role of deputy mayor if it was offered to him.
“I’m really surprised. I’m a bit humbled to think that I’ve done so well. I didn’t promise anything, I just asked a lot of questions and gave it 100 per cent,” he said.
“If I was offered the position of deputy mayor, I would definitely take it in my stride. It would just be a part of the job though and the title wouldn’t make much difference.
“Basically, I want to thank everyone who voted and one of my aims will be to get out to as many clubs and organisations as possible, including those outlying areas like Giru.”
Following close behind was current councillor Pierina Dalle Cort, who came away with 5396 votes.
Cr Dalle Cort said she was ecstatic about the results and was looking forward to the term ahead.
“I’m looking forward to this positive change and new beginnings,” she said. “I just want to thank everybody for being out there and supporting me and I hope I live up to everyone’s expectations.”
Continuing his work for the council, Lou Loizou was also re-elected and received 5270 votes.
Cr Loizou thanked the community for their support and despite welcoming the new mayor and councillors, he said it was sad to see Cr McLaughlin and those councillors that were not re-elected de¬part.
“I’m pretty happy . . . My only concern was that I was the only cane grower on the council and if I didn’t make it, I think that would be a big loss to our community,” he said.
“I felt very sorry for Lyn. I believe she did a lot and put a lot of time in, but what can you do? These things happen and you’ve just got to move forward. I wish her all the best.”
Securing 5156 votes, newcomer Ted Bawden said he was looking forward to working as a team with the new councillors and mayor.
“I feel very humbled from the support and faith that the community has got in me and I will certainly address the community’s needs as best I can,” he said.
Renewing her position as a Burdekin Shire councillor, Lyndy McCathie came in with 5092 votes.
Like Ted Bawden, she said she too was looking forward to working with the new mayor and elected councillors.
“I am very pleased to have the opportunity to represent the Burdekin Shire as a councillor,” she said.
“I just want to thank everybody for their support and well wishes.”
With his future on the council looking promising, but still uncertain, Ross Lewis chose to have a positive outlook. “That is the beauty of a democratic society . . . If Treena gets back in, I will be happy for her and if I don’t, it is just a matter of when one door closes, another opens.
“But, if I do get back in, it will be a new challenge,” he said.
The Advocate attempted to contact Treena List for her comments before publication but was unsuccessful.