Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson has announced he will not run in next year’s local government elections.
Cr Jamieson made the announcement this morning outside the Sunshine Coast City Hall.
“After nearly 12 years serving the communities of the Sunshine Coast and vigorously representing the interests of our residents to the other tiers of government, I have decided that it is time to put my family and my personal interests first,” he said.
“For this reason – and this alone – I have decided not to contest the next election for mayor of our great Sunshine Coast Council on March 16, 2024.”
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Cr Jamieson said he would continue to serve as mayor until the election is concluded.
“There is still much to do between now and March next year and the Sunshine Coast community can be assured that I will continue to give everything to this role as mayor until my term ends in just over four months,” he said.
Cr Jamieson would not speculate on a potential successor as mayor.
“If there is one piece of advice I will offer to our residents is that when it comes time to vote for your next mayor in March next year, remember it is too great a risk for the future of our council and our region to place your trust in someone who is aligned in any way with a major political party,” he said.
After posting the council’s first $1 billion budget this year, Cr Jamieson paid tribute to his fellow councillors for helping create “one of the three most financially sustainable councils in the state”.
“I want to particularly acknowledge and thank my fellow councillors – our current councillors and those who I have served with since 2012 – for being part of an incredible journey as we have shaped a healthy, smart and creative future for our Sunshine Coast,” he said.
He also expressed his “deep appreciation” of his family for their “enduring and steadfast support, loyalty, tolerance and commitment during our public life”.
