Experienced businessman and Noosa River advocate Nick Hluszko has announced he intends to run for mayor at the Noosa Council elections in March.
Mr Hluszko said he was passionate about protecting the region’s identity.
“I am standing for mayor because I am devoted to Noosa,” he said via a media release.
“I am a seasoned executive and community leader who has the experience, qualifications, passion and energy to lead and guide our community in the face of significant challenges and opportunities facing Noosa today.”
Born in Brisbane to parents who were World War II refugees, Mr Hluszko’s career began as a 21-year-old truck driver with Mobil Oil and, after 20 years, he climbed the ranks to a global management role in the United States.
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He was the general manager Eurasia of Yum! Restaurants International, overseeing more than 4000 staff, and consulted as the CEO of one of Eurasia’s largest cinema chains.
Mr Hluszko holds a Bachelor of Business and a Master of Business Administration from Monash University. He also studied at Harvard in the United States, the Graduate School of Management at the University of New South Wales, and at France’s INSEAD in Financial Management.
Locally, Mr Hluszko has served as the president of the Noosa North Shore Association, chair of the Noosa River Stakeholder Advisory Sub-Committee and contributed to the Council Climate Change Round Table, Teewah and Cooloola Working Group, Rural Fire Brigade and as an oyster grower for the Noosa Integrated Catchment Association Oyster Project.
He said he was determined to protect Noosa’s identity.
“We are not another Gold Coast, and under my watch never will be,” he said.
“My experience uniquely positions me to lead Noosa through its growth pressures with proven leadership, proper governance and a focus on the right priorities.”
The release said Mr Hluszko aimed to help manage infrastructure issues and public funds and “rebuild trust between the community and Noosa Council”.
It said he was focused on better management, to control bureaucratic costs and install minimum rates and levies.
He also advocated a “sensible Noosa River strategy” and said a proposal for the river to be a conservation park was not a solution. The release said his priority was to work with the state government to implement approved anchoring, mooring and live-aboard vessel recommendations.
The release also said a plan for Noosa’s infrastructure was required.
While Mr Hluszko opposed the state government’s mandated 18,000 additional people in the Noosa Shire, he said public transport, roads, parking and boating access should be prioritised to accommodate future growth.
Mr Hluszko said strong leadership was needed with a cost-effective and streamlined management team.
“My decision to run for mayor is based on the belief that I can improve the financial and operational governance of Noosa Council – something that I know concerns residents,” he said.
“We need a council capable of forecasting its overheads, managing its budget and capital works programs, and delivering the honest and transparent services our community deserves.
“I will also partner and work closely with the state to deliver sensible strategies for our river and other key assets.
“It’s time to unite the community and stop dividing it.”
Mr Hluszko joins current deputy mayor Frank Wilkie as contenders for the mayor’s job, which will be vacated by Clare Stewart, who has announced her intentions to run for state parliament.
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