A prominent local businessman who has spent much of his life contributing to the community has announced his intentions to become mayor of the Sunshine Coast.
Ashley Robinson is set to throw his hat in the ring to replace outgoing mayor Mark Jamieson at the council elections in March.
A media release said he was focused on the cost of living, managing population growth in a way that protects the region and respecting the intent of the Planning Scheme.
Mr Robinson has four decades of business experience across the hospitality and community enterprise sectors, and an impressive record of community service that saw him awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2016.
He has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars in funds for community groups and those less fortunate, while also spending five years as chair of Community Gaming Benefit Fund, which distributes $15 million a quarter to community organisations across Queensland.
The Wurtulla father-of-two was born on a Eudlo pineapple farm and has developed an understanding of the region through his ongoing involvement in sport, community service, advocacy for men’s health and generosity to those in need.
Mr Robinson, affectionately as ‘Tugboat’ for the strength he brought to his rugby league playing days and then to his roles as a business manager and community service, enters a large field vying for the top job at the local government elections in March.
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Other likely candidates include newsreader Rosanna Natoli, councillor Jason O’Pray, law expert Wayne Parcell, businesswoman Min Swan and social media critic Michael Burgess.
Mr Robinson is set to nominate after carefully considering what he can bring to the role.
The media release said he had a desire to ensure a strong and diverse economy, with a council that listens to and reflects the community it leads and one that takes advantage of the opportunities presented by the inevitability of future growth.
“I commit to a full financial review of the books to ensure ratepayers are getting the value for money they deserve and whatever relief is possible from the mounting cost-of-living pressures affecting Sunshine Coast families,” Mr Robinson said.
“I also commit to respect the Planning Scheme and the certainty it gives people about the areas in which they choose to love and raise their families.
“A review of the Planning Scheme is due and I commit to truly listening to the community of communities that make up our region while being absolutely clear about what is necessary to cater for inevitable growth.”
As CEO of Alexandra Headland Surf Life Saving Club and Alex Supporters Association since 2010, Mr Robinson has managed a team that has grown to 120 staff and serves more than 500,000 guests annually and has 35,000 members.
From 2005 to 2010, he was general manager, hospitality, for Oaks Hotels at multiple venues across the state, including managing the design and construction of new venues.
From 2001 to 2005, working for Reed Hospitality and Reed Charity, he oversaw a team of more than 200 running hospitality venues across Queensland, supervising all aspects of the business including operations, financial and marketing, while also coordinating special charity projects, including the construction of an orphanage in India and a hydrotherapy pool at Currimundi Special School.
As co-founder of the long-running Island Charity Swim, Mr Robinson is aware of the struggle experienced in many households and the need for strong community support.
Mr Robinson, who says his great loves are his family, charity work and helping people, has been chairman of the Sunshine Coast Falcons since 2013.
He and his wife Sheila are also strong advocates for animal welfare, an involvement that saw him made a life member of Sunshine Coast Animal Refuge Society.
Mr Robinson is an inductee to the Sunshine Coast University Sports Hall of Fame and the Sunshine Coast Rugby League Hall of Fame, and he is a life member of Sunshine Coast Rugby League.
Mr Robinson has been a weekly columnist for Sunshine Coast News since late 2020. He won’t be writing for the publication during the election campaign.
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