Isaac Regional Council today resolved to appoint Simon West to the vacant position of Division 4 councillor.
Mayor Anne Baker said Simon West had been selected from among five nominees following an expression of interest process during March which followed the resignation of incumbent councillor Peter Freeleagus on 26 February 2019.
Cr Freeleagus had served on Council since 2012 but was previously mayor of the former Belyando Shire from 2003 to 2008, also serving as a councillor from 1997 onwards.
Mayor Baker said as the vacancy in Division 4 had occurred less than 18 months, but greater than six months, prior to a quadrennial local government election, Council was able to fill the position by appointment for the remainder of 2016-2020 term, rather than through a bi-election.
“Today’s appointment was a decision of the full council and followed a comprehensive assessment process involving all nominees, which included written submissions and face-to-face interviews,” she said.
“On behalf of my colleagues, I take this opportunity to welcome Simon West to our team.
“Mr West is known to many in the community as the President of the Goonyella Riverside CFMEU and, along with his wife and nine-year-old son, has lived in Moranbah since 2001, being an active volunteer and community leader.
“It’s fair to say that Mr West will find that this role will be one of the most challenging ‘jobs’ he is likely to have,” Mayor Baker said.
“But what I can also say, is that the opportunity to represent your community is also one of the most rewarding and fulfilling things he can do.
“I thank Mr West and our other four nominees for putting their hand up to represent their community as Division 4 Councillors for the remainder of the 2016-2020 term.”
Simon West will not formally take on the role of Division 4 councillor until he has completed the Declaration of Office, which is expected to occur tomorrow, 24 April 2019.
