January 23, 2024
Former South Burnett councillor Ros Heit has put up her hand again to run Division 6 at the upcoming Council election, hoping to win back a role she lost by just a handful of votes four years ago.
Ros was first elected to the South Burnett Regional Council at a by-election in 2013 after the then-sitting Division 6 councillor resigned.
She was then re-elected at the 2016 poll, securing almost 62 per cent of the vote.
At the 2020 election, preliminary results had Ros leading 1506 votes to 1491 over challenger Scott Henschen, however after a final recount, Cr Henschen secured the Division by 1522 votes to 1518.
Ros was obviously disappointed but got on with life outside Council, including her key roles with the Wondai parkrun and the Wondai Country Running Festival.
“After the final results came in, I caught my breath and dusted myself off,” she said.
She worked on securing a $94,000 grant to resurface the Wondai Tennis Club’s courts and led a project to light up the trees leading into Wondai with fairy lights, using profits raised from the running festival.
As Patron of the Wondai Art Gallery, Ros sought funds for extensions to the facility and its Australia Day competitions.
She also continued to be a familiar face at events, including leading the annual Anzac Day service at Wooroolin.
But Ros told southburnett.com.au said she only fully made up her mind to run again for Division 6 just after Christmas.
“I’ve always believed in the statement that the standard you walk past is the standard you accept,” she said.
“I cannot walk past SBRC when I fundamentally believe the most effective councillors for our community are those that are independent thinkers, honest, hardworking and use common sense.”
She said the past four years had been particularly difficult for the SBRC, which she believed had been rocked by “factionalism, infighting and deep divisions”.
“My previous time on Council confirms I have the experience to do the heavy lifting when required in the Chamber, and my work in the private sector shows I can do my part to help repair the damaged reputation of this Council after the last four years,” she said.
Her business roles have included being a board member of local economic development group BIEDO, chair of CROW-FM and on the board of Rural Solutions Queensland. She is also a former director of Brighter Super and Suncorp Super and has a Diploma of Local Government.
Ros said she would give the residents of the South Burnett three commitments:
- To address any issues raised with her to get the best and most equitable outcome,
- To put in the hard yards and make sure every decision she made in Council was an informed decision; and
- To always work toward the best outcomes for the South Burnett community and its residents.
Ros said she was keen to make the South Burnett an even better place to to live, work and raise a family.
Other projects she has been involved with over the years include the relocation of the Wooroolin railway station, the creation of an off-leash dog area in Wondai, improved road safety around Kumbia State School, and the installation of security cameras throughout Wondai.
Ros Heit is the second candidate so far to declare an interest in Division 6.
Ballogie resident Les Prickett tossed his hat into the ring in February last year.
Division 6 extends from Durong to Kumbia, Tingoora, Wooroolin and Wondai.
- Related article: Ballogie Man To Run For Council
This is the best news I’ve had this year. We need Ros back on council. She has continued to work tirelessly for the community as this article points out. Her work ethic is to be commended. I wish her all the best.
I am definitely going to vote for Ros Heit for our local council election
Welcome back to the South Burnett Disneyland, Ros. You should have won the last one & hopefully will win the next one, you deserve it. If you were standing in this area I would certainly vote for you.