Mick Curran is throwing his hat in the ring for Division 4 in the upcoming local government election.
Born and raised in Gympie, he has fond memories of growing up on Somerset Street.
He spent 30 years serving in the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and during his service earned himself the Queensland Police Service Medal, Queensland Police Valour Medal and Australian Bravery Medal for his attendance and involvement.
After retiring from QPS as a sergeant, Mick said he wanted to continue serving the community and was elected as a councillor for Division 7 in 2012 before he was elected as Mayor in 2015 after the previous Mayor had stepped down and then re-elected into the Mayoral seat in 2016.
Mick said he also wants to bring not only his experience as mayor and councillor to the job, but his time spent with community groups.
He is a former board member of the Sunshine Coast/Gympie Falcons Rugby League, board member of Avenues Lifestyle Support, former president of the Gympie State High School Parents and Citizens Association, board member of Regional Development Australia for Wide Bay and Chairman of Wide Bay Burnett Regional Organisation of Councils.
One of Mick’s goals is the return of the 10 per cent discount for early payment of rates and for any rate increases to be capped at the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or less.
He also wants to see properly maintained roads, parks and improved council infrastructure to support Gympie’s growing community.
“We need critical infrastructure for the growing population,” he said.
“We should not be sending letters to the minister, we should be down there banging on his door.”
His goals also include having an ‘Open for Business’ planning scheme and abiding with the Heritage and Character Code to protect Gympie’s proud history.
In support of better facilities and activities for both the aged and younger population of Gympie, Mick supports upgrading the sporting and recreation facilities in Gympie
“I think council should be more than rates, roads and rubbish,” he said.
“We should be looking at livability and community events where we can come together and celebrate the great region we live in.”
Mick also wants to endeavour to protect Gympie’s natural environment and ensure environmental groups are properly funded which includes having the environmental levy removed from the general rate, so money raised and money granted is transparent for the community.
Transparency and accountability were key points for Mick, saying that he wants to ensure council staff are treated fairly and that the council remains accountable to the residents.
“You have got to own your own decisions,” he said.
“It is not the council’s money, it’s the community’s, it is meant to deliver projects for the community.”
Being approachable, interested and willing to work for ratepayers in Division 4 are what Mick said he will endeavour to do.
“I love the region and I’ve always had the philosophy that if you want things done, you have got to get in and do it,” he said.
