Rural Queenslanders filling out their voting slips over the last couple of weeks, or at the polling booth today, will have noticed that women are standing for mayor in greater numbers.
Of the 34 regional and rural councils in the state, 19 of them offer a choice of men and women for mayor while another one, Isaac Regional Council already has a female at the helm, thanks to Anne Baker being returned unopposed.
Although a couple of high profile women mayors are retiring at this election – Balonne’s Donna Stewart and Logan’s Pam Parker – it seems likely that there will be a number of female faces leading rural councils once the votes are counted.
This likelihood is most evident in the state’s north, often described as a male-dominated arena.
No matter which way the vote goes, McKinlay will retain a female mayor, as current mayor Belinda Murphy is challenged only by Lynette Clout.
In Mount Isa, female mayoral candidates – Joyce McCulloch, Kim-Maree Burton and Kim Coglan – outnumber the two men standing.
Candidates suggested as having a high probability of succeeding in other council areas include Cloncurry’s acting mayor Jane McMillan, Caroline Steele in Croydon, Jane McNamara in Flinders, and Liz Schmidt at Charters Towers.
“I have a sneaky suspicion that this is the year for lady mayors,” LGAQ CEO Greg Hallam said. “I think there will be more change overall in the bush than in city and provincial areas, partly because of the tough times and the seasons.”
Queensland Rural Remote and Regional Women’s Network president Alison Mobbs applauded the female nominees for believing in themselves and for being role models for future generations of women.
“Now, more than ever, women feel they are able to lead a community with the skills, the support and the confidence to do so.
“It’s important to recognise the work of the women of previous generations who have fought hard over many years for this to be possible.
“It is their work that gives me the hope that soon everyone’s daughter will assume it is entirely possible and absolutely not special or newsworthy that women run for the office of mayor or other leadership positions.”
Ms Mobbs added that women in many rural areas are living the dual crises of drought and mining downturn and they are desperate for their local councils to make good decisions for their community’s future.
“Perhaps the influx of women candidates reflects their opinion of the decisions being made and that they can make a positive contribution to planning for survival and hopefully soon regeneration of our rural areas,” she said.
