In a surprise announcement, Julieanne Gilbert, the Member for Mackay, announced that she will not be contesting the upcoming State election in October.
Mrs Gilbert said that it has been an honour to represent Mackay in State Parliament.
“The world has changed immensely during this time, increased use of social media, the global pandemic and now we are combating the global cost of living pressures. I have loved working in our community,” she said.
“I have decided that it is time for me to pass the baton onto someone younger who will continue work for our collective betterment.
“I would like to thank the Mackay community for their support.”
During a press conference held on Sydney Street, Mrs Gilbert sighted the opportunity to travel with her husband, Frank, as well as spending more time with her family as motivating factors for her retirement. She also said that this was her decision, and she was not influenced by the Labor party to retire.
During her career as the Member for Mackay since 2015, there are a number of projects delivered for the Mackay community that she is proud of.
“Investment into our road systems to make our daily lives safer and get to our destinations quicker including the Vines Creek Bridges, Mackay Ring Road and Walkerston Bypass and a network of shared bike and walking paths,” she said.
“Our health services continue to grow to service our expanding population including, the rebuild of the Sarina hospital, the funding for the 128-bed expansion and multi-story car park at the Mackay Base Hospital. The expansion of the Heart Catheter Lab which is saving the lives of locals.”
She also said that traditional industries need support while developing future industries.
“Mackay Sugar used their Labor State Governments support package to upgrade their mills so they could attract investors to ensure a bright future for the sugar industry. To diversify the sugar industry and support businesses to develop biofuels and future foods from sugar and by-product from the milling process we have rolled out grants,” Mrs Gilbert said.
“The Resource Centre of Excellence is putting our region on the map as a world leader for state-of-the-art mining. The centre was a 2017 election commitment.”
The former teacher also said that the region’s future workforce will come from students currently sitting in classrooms.
“A new classroom block at the Mackay Special School, the upgrade to the performing arts blocks at North Mackay SHS and the new teaching spaces at CQU TAFE will prepare and train our young people. Our fee-free TAFE courses will ensure our school leavers can gain skills to get into the workforce and our mature workers wanting to upgrade or gain new skills can do it right here,” she said.
Mrs Gilbert also highlighted numerous investments in event infrastructure as proud moments in her career.
“We have recently enjoyed another Mackay show, the experience so much better with the modern state government-funded buildings,” she added.
“We all know that Mackay is a great city in which to live and with Labor’s investment in infrastructure like the Great Barrier Reef Arena it is becoming increasingly popular as an events destination.
“Even when you have not agreed with decisions being made at state government level, please know that each decision was made with the best interest of our community’s future at heart.”
There is speculation on who may run as the Labor candidate for Mackay, with Mrs Gilbert neither confirming nor denying that the Deputy Mayor, Belinda Hassan, is a strong possibility. She did say that Ms Hassan is a fantastic person with strong roots in the community and passion for the betterment of the Mackay region but would not confirm if she was running for Labor.
Ms Gilbert did say that it is important for the new candidate to dedicate to more than one term to see the delivery of projects which can sometimes take more than a decade from concept to completion.
“Continuity is needed to get projects delivered and to have a solid knowledge of our community,” she said.
“Finally, I would like to thank my family, friends, ALP branch members, many volunteers, and my hard-working electorate staff for joining me on this journey.”
After nearly a decade of service, Julieanne Gilbert steps down as Member for Mackay to focus on family and travel. Photo credit: Amanda Wright
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