December 9, 2014
Former Brisbane Lord Mayor Jim Soorley will be the special guest speaker at the Mayor’s Community Christmas Luncheon to be held in Kingaroy next Thursday (December 18).
Mr Soorley, standing as a Labor candidate, defeated Sally-Anne Atkinson at the 1991 Council elections and held on to Brisbane’s top job until he retired in 2003.
He was a virtual unknown when he was first elected, but was one of the few Australian politicians to increase his popular vote in each of the next three elections, standing as Lord Mayor for 13 years.
Some of the changes to Brisbane he has been credited with include allowing widespread footpath dining, the introduction of the CityCat ferries, advancing the Busway system, building the Inner City Bypass, and starting the Riverfestival including the popular Riverfire fireworks and the River Feast.
He was also responsible for bringing all sewage treatment up to at least secondary treatment standards; introducing a city-wide recycling program and gas powered buses; starting air conditioning buses; accelerated the purchase of “at risk” bushland; implemented a system of long-term rehabilitation for old municipal solid waste tips; and a long-term plan to link riverfront land and open it up to the people of Brisbane through a series of Riverwalk pathways.
The former Catholic priest now works as a lobbyist and recently made headlines when he suggested churches should pay rates.
The lunch will be held at at the Kingaroy Town Hall from 12:15pm.
Proceeds will be given to local welfare organisations.
Tickets are $20 per head and can be bought at Council offices throughout the South Burnett or booked with Bronwyn Barry at Council on (07) 4189-9155 or email by December 11.
