Community & Business
12 March, 2024
Time on council ‘humbling’
IT’S been an interesting four years for outgoing Mareeba Shire Councillor Locky Bensted who has reflected on his term at his council meeting last week.
Cr Bensted is the only sitting councillor not contesting Saturday’s local government election and wished his colleagues well at the poll as he bid farewell.
Describing his time in office as “interesting and humbling”, Cr Bensted said he was proud to have been part of a council that “always put the Shire first” in making sometimes difficult decisions.
“My four years was made up of many different aspects and I would love to mention them all, but one that particularly stands out is the opportunity to Chair the Great Wheelbarrow Race Committee and be a part of an exceptional group of people who make up that committee,” he said.
“I also got to MC a lot of wonderful events but the highlight was last year’s Carols (Merry Mareeba) headed up by the Mareeba Rotary team.”
Cr Bensted also rates his involvement with the development of the Amaroo Park master plan another highlight of his time as a councillor.
“I was fortunate to head up the consultation team that corresponded with local residents for the master plan. This was a big deal for me as when I first got elected, I was wanting council to communicate with the shire better and it finally came to fruition,” he said.
“Now we will see in the future a lot more of our community being invited to be a part of the decision-making process with these groups across the Shire.
“I wish the next council all the best and congratulations to all those candidates putting their hand up and wanting to represent their community.”
