Local Police chief, other well-known faces confirm Councillor intentions at upcoming elections

With his time in blue months away from wrapping up a familiar local face has confirmed he is running for a Councillor role and not the mayoral position at the upcoming Douglas Shire local government elections in March.

Sgt Damian Meadows Officer in Charge at Port Douglas Police station is due to take scheduled retirement from the Queensland Police Force in August.

“I’m passionate about the Douglas Shire community, it’s a wonderful place to live and I want to make a contribution to its long-term future,” Sgt Meadows said.

“I’ve been honoured to serve the Douglas Shire for a number of years and I’d like to continue that by becoming a Councillor.”

The passionate Douglas Shire community member has already earmarked the priorities he intends to address if he secured a seat in the chamber in the coming months.

“Water security – it’s the most important issue in the Shire and one that we all need to work together on, to ensure we have better and more security for many years to come,” Sgt Meadows said.

“Another key issue is (Council) transparency. It’s vitally important a Council has a transparent, open culture. All financials, and key information needs to be accessible, open and available to community members – that’s very important.

“We also found out during the recent cyclone and rainfall events just how critical it is for community members to receive clear and timely information during a major disaster. This is an area that needs improving at DSC.”

Meantime a number of other Council candidates have confirmed their intentions ahead of the March elections.

Current sitting Councillor Peter McKeown has confirmed he is running again telling Newsport he has “unfinished business” and that he wants to continue to assist the Shire in the wake of last December’s cyclone and flood events.

He also said partner Pia McKeown is still “undecided” about whether she intends to nominate for Council ahead of the February 12 deadline.

Newsport can confirm current sitting Councillors Roy Zammataro, Lisa Scomazzon and Abigail Noli each intend to seek re-election in March. Another confirmed candidate is Sara Mulcahy.

Other names across the editor’s desk that remain undetermined or unconfirmed include Jeremy Blockey, Brooke Nikora and Mossman’s Terry Melchert.

Lastly Newsport also understands current Mayor Michael Kerr who is due to step down from the role in March is still considering a last minute run to be re-elected as Douglas Shire mayor.

That news will come as a surprise to some considering Cr Kerr’s public admission he has nominated for preselection to be the LNP’s candidate for Cook during this year’s State elections.

Despite other reports Newsport understands David Kempton is favoured for LNP preselection.