“WILL you be running for pre-selection for the seat of Blair at the next Federal Election? Will you be contesting the seat for a third time?”
These questions were put to Mayor Teresa Harding by Local Ipswich News and the answer was received exclusively last Friday afternoon.
“No, I will not be running for Blair pre-selection,” she revealed in a phone call.
The option has been officially taken off the table after speculation has run rife for several months and calls for expressions of interest opened up within the LNP earlier this month.
If Mayor Harding were to have run it would have signalled a third tilt at the seat, in an attempt to dethrone long-time member Shayne Neumann, who was first elected in 2007.
The 2013 Federal Election was won by Mr Neumann with a small swing, but then in 2016 he took 58.88% of the two-party vote in returning Blair to a safe Labor seat.
Cr Harding said the task at hand of leading the Ipswich City Council and representing the city of Ipswich was far more important to her than a third tilt at federal politics.
“While I have been humbled by the support I have received, being the Mayor of our great city is an absolute privilege and it’s a role I take very seriously,” she said.
“I made a commitment to the people of Ipswich to be their Mayor and it is an honour to serve our community.
“The people of Ipswich gave me a mandate with an increased primary vote at the March election, to continue with a firm focus on moving our city forward and ensuring our council continues to be one that is open, transparent, accessible, responsible and delivers great and efficient services for our community.”
Cr Harding said that as the upcoming Federal Election approached, her focus would be on ensuring Ipswich received a fair share of commitments for major infrastructure and other projects from all parties to support the rapid growth of the city.
“Following on from the success of council’s We Can’t Wait campaign in the lead-up to the State Election, my focus for the upcoming Federal Election will be ensuring the people of Ipswich get their fair share of commitments from both parties,” she said.
“Traditionally, Ipswich has missed out on the infrastructure funding it needs to sustainably accommodate the growth our city is experiencing.”
Cr Harding said this saw more costs being shifted onto council and ultimately Ipswich ratepayers.
“Critical projects like the upgrade of the Cunningham Highway and the Amberley Intersection have been sitting on our community’s wish list for 25 years now,” she said. “With Blair being a marginal seat and very much in play for this election, it is my hope that Ipswich residents will finally see some real infrastructure commitments to move our city forward.”
Despite Cr Harding’s name being officially off the list, it is believed that a minimum six candidates have sought entry to the LNP pre-selection ballot.
Among the names being discussed loudly is Carl Mutzelburg, candidate for Bundamba at this year’s State Election.Mr Mutzelburg was contacted for comment but said he was unable to at this time.
