General News
4 August, 2026
Lang in mayoral race
TRANSPARENCY and restoring a suitable road network throughout the Tablelands will be the main focuses for Kylie Lang, who has now become the fifth candidate in the Tablelands Regional Council Mayoral election.
Ms Lang, who is the current Division 6 councillor for TRC, put her hand up for the role last week, vowing that transparency with the community, road maintenance, and community engagement on council decisions as her top priorities should she be elected to the top job.
“As Mayor, I want to create stability not only within council but throughout the wider community by being someone who listens, makes balanced decisions, and has the courage to do what is right, even when faced with difficult choices,” she said.
“For me, transparency is critical and the community deserves to understand why decisions are being considered – including divestment – what the alternatives are, and how any decision aligns with council’s long-term plans and the community benefits.
“As Mayor, my expectation would be that openness is the default and confidentiality is the exception. Every item brought before council should be tested with one simple question: ‘Does this genuinely need to be confidential?’”
Another important issue she plans to tackle is one hot on the lips of many Tablelands residents – roads.
“I don’t think anyone would argue that the condition of many of our roads, whether they’re council or State-managed, is meeting the standard our community deserves,” Ms Lang said.
“Reliable roads aren’t a luxury, they’re critical infrastructure. They keep our farmers productive, our businesses connected, our children safe on school buses, and enable emergency services to respond quickly.
“If elected as Mayor, my top priority is to get the basics right. Prioritise road maintenance and identify ways to make operations more efficient so we can invest more in crucial infrastructure.
“I will push for State and Federal Governments to start taking more responsibility for their infrastructure. It is time to start making the most of every opportunity, every funding source, and every ratepayer dollar to deliver better outcomes for our communities.
“I also believe we need to continually look inward. Finding efficiencies across our road maintenance program and throughout the wider organisation isn’t about cutting services, it’s about working smarter.
“Every dollar we can save through better planning, improved processes, and innovation is a dollar that can be reinvested into delivering better outcomes for our community.”
Ms Lang said she was passionate about serving the Tablelands, as it had been the home for her family for generations.
“The Tablelands has been my home for my whole life. My family’s roots run deep here, with generations having lived, worked, and contributed to this remarkable region,” she said.
“I have also spent much of my life giving back to the community through volunteering, with long-standing involvement in the Atherton SES Group (five years, including three years as local controller), the Atherton Tablelands Agricultural Society, and other not-for-profit organisations.
“Those experiences have allowed me to work alongside people from all walks of life and have reinforced my belief that strong communities are built by people who are willing to serve others.”
Ms Lang’s final commitment as Mayor was actively seeking community input on council decisions.
“I firmly believe that a strong council begins with an informed and engaged community. If elected, I will work closely with both the community and the organisation to improve communication and transparency.
“Actively seeking community input on key decisions will be a priority, ensuring people understand what decisions are being made, why they are being made, and how they will benefit our region.
“I am committed to creating meaningful opportunities for community involvement and will explore re-establishing advisory committees that work alongside council.
This would provide residents, businesses, volunteers, and community organisations with a stronger voice in shaping the future of the Tablelands.
“I will always strive to be fair, transparent, and respectful. My commitment is to build confidence in our leadership and strengthen relationships between council and the community.
“This is not just where I live. It is where my story began, where my family has belonged for generations, where I have dedicated much of my life to serving others, and where I hope many more families will build their own stories for generations to come.”
Five in poll
FIVE candidates will contest the Tablelands Regional Council Mayoral by-election to be held on 22 August.
In order of the ballot draw, which took place on Thursday, the candidates are: Jean Fletcher, Kylie Lang, Dave Bilney, Kevin Cardew and Mark Norwall.
The candidates will face the public at an event to be held from 5.30pm on Saturday at the Atherton International Club. The by-election is a full postal poll.
