February 18, 2016
Taabinga resident Ace Bleney, 35, has put up his hand to be the fifth candidate running for Division 3 in the March 19 Council elections.
Mr Bleney, 35, works full-time as a shift manager at the Peanut Company of Australia, and also raises cattle.
In his spare time, he is a crew leader with the Stuart River Fire Brigade, along with being a full-time dad to his 11-year-old daughter.
Ace said he is running because he wants to make an even greater contribution to the region.
“I came to the South Burnett when I was 16 and I love the area,” Ace said.
“I’ve always been involved with community work through clubs like Apex and Lions, and I’ve always been a volunteer in one capacity or another.
“But I’ve reached the age where I think I can do more, and that’s why I want to run for Council.”
Ace believes the region’s tourist attractions are undersold, and he would like to see the Council take a more active role promoting the South Burnett as a visitor destination.
His own background includes 10 years experience in tourism and hospitality industries.
“That’s where I come from, and that’s where I feel I could I could make a difference,” he said.
Ace also believes that Councillors need to be open and approachable, and that listening to residents’ concerns is a key part of the job.
He has no illusions that being a Councillor is an easy task, either.
“I know it’s a 24 x 7 job, but I’m prepared to do what it takes to help people with their problems,” Ace said.
“I think I’m a very approachable person and very easy to talk to. And it’s rewarding to help people.”
Ace thinks the Road Levy could be “better managed” and believes relations between the Council and State Government could be enhanced, too.
But he feels the region might benefit from a period of consolidation after the whirlwind of changes it has seen over the last few years, and said he would adopt a balanced and considered approach if elected.
The other candidates who have nominated for Division 1 are Abigail Andersson, Deb Dennien, Stan Corbett and Danita Potter.
