July 6, 2015
Benarkin resident Liz Hollens-Riley has tossed her hat into the ring for Division 2 at the next South Burnett Regional Council election.
Division 2 covers Blackbutt, Benarkin, Maidenwell, Nanango East, Brooklands, Taromeo, Tarong and parts of the Bunya Mountains.
It is currently held by Cr Deb Palmer, who was elected at the 2008 poll following council amalgamation. Cr Palmer is the daughter of the late Kev Allery who represented Blackbutt for many years on the Nanango Shire Council.
Ms Hollens-Riley, who stood for the ALP at the last State election, announced her candidature on Facebook.
She says she is passionate about her community and protecting the enviable country lifestyle in the South Burnett.
She said she would be a ” a strong voice in Council to make sure our community gets a fair go” and believes Division 2 has been “taken for granted for too long”.
“Council should have a plan to implement conditions that will foster industries to this region,” she said.
She works part-time as a safety officer and is involved in a number of local groups and associations, including secretary of the Blackbutt & Benarkin Community Council, member of the Lions Club, Blackbutt RSL CMC, Bloomin’ Beautiful Blackbutt Festival and Timber Towns Woodworking Group.
Ms Hollens-Riley was the second highest polling candidate in the State seat of Nanango at the January 31 State election, securing 20.5 per cent of the primary vote (36.84 per cent after preferences), almost doubling the ALP’s primary vote from the 2012 election.
