General News
27 November, 2019
Cr Nipper Brown to run for MSC Mayor
MAREEBA Shire Councillor Nipper Brown has announced that he will be running for mayor at the next Local Government Elections in March.
MAREEBA Shire Councillor Nipper Brown has announced that he will be running for mayor at the next Local Government Elections in March.
Cr Brown, who was born and raised in Julatten, now lives in Mutchilba and has owned and operated his own business since 2004.
Cr Brown has been serving as councillor for the Mareeba Shire Council for the past six years, and he has described the role as a rewarding one that has been filled with a steep learning curve.
Despite the intensive nature of the job and the enormous responsibility that comes with it, Cr Brown is motivated more than ever to serve the residents of the Mareeba Shire, and noted his inspiration behind his decision to run for mayor.
“Through the mentorship of the current MSC Mayor Tom Gilmore and Deputy Mayor Alan Pedersen, I still have the desire to continue to work for the Mareeba Shire and its residents, and I believe I can make a difference,” he said.
“With Tom retiring, I don’t believe there’s the need for a lot of change given the financial framework that has been set.
“And because of that, I believe I’m the best person for the job as I’ve been there for the past six years and I know what’s needed to keep this shire financially stable.”
Cr Brown said if elected as mayor, he will continue to lobby the appropriate bodies to ensure positive outcomes for the shire.
“Key projects I will be lobbying for include the Kuranda Range, Ootan and Chillagoe Roads, along with better healthcare services and greater water security among others,” he said.
“While they are items that are not our core business, they are crucial to the growth and betterment of the shire.”
Cr Brown said the accessibility and involvement in the shire he has displayed as councillor is something he will bring if elected as mayor.
“I have always taken pride in providing access to myself right across all corners of our shire,” he said.
“I have, even before becoming a councillor, been heavily involved with community and sporting groups with a hands-on approach.
“If that means serving behind the bar, cooking a BBQ or being an act at a variety night I am there on the front line with any group.
“As mayor this work ethic and involvement will continue. I want all sporting and community clubs to be strong because this will present opportunities and programs for our youth – which ultimately could be a deciding factor for a family to relocate to our shire.”
Cr Brown said he will continue to seek better local participation by encouraging local jobs across council.
“I do and will always advocate for local jobs,” he said.
“The more jobs with local people the stronger the economy. The growth of our industrial estate that includes opportunities for new industry is an important part of that vision.
“In addition, I have been on the board of the local tourism body for the past four years and believe we need to explore and develop event tourism further.
“If we can have a major event happening monthly attracting a minimum of 5000 followers it means 60,000 visitors spending money in our shire - we have facilities to achieve this.”
Cr Brown said there will be challenges ahead for this upcoming council, but is of the belief that he has the experience and skills to lead council through any challenges faced.
Local Government Elections are scheduled for March, 2020.
