MAYOR-in-waiting Val Schier has predicted a tough four years ahead at the helm of the new-look Cairns Regional Council following her stunning win over Kevin Byrne.

MAYOR-in-waiting Val Schier has predicted a tough four years ahead at the helm of the new-look Cairns Regional Council following her stunning win over Kevin Byrne.

Ms Schier last night had collected 30,279 votes – about 1400 more than Mr Byrne – to claim an upset victory and become the city’s first female mayor.

A despondent Mr Byrne told The Cairns Post he would not return to politics but would pursue a career in the corporate
sector.

Voters in the city’s northern beaches and the former Douglas Shire proved decisive in deciding the super council’s leader, with Ms Schier mustering the majority of support in divisions 8, 9 and 10.

“Maybe these were the people who haven’t felt part of the Unity administration,” she said.

Independent mayoral candidates Selwyn Johnston and Peter Sandercock had polled 5.3 per cent and 3 per cent respectively.

Ms Schier, who celebrated with supporters in her “heartland” of Machans Beach, acknowledged Mr Byrne’s contribution to the city.

“I agree with him that he’s passed on an organisation that is in sound shape and I do agree there are enormous challenges ahead,” she said.

Ms Schier said she felt like Maxine McKew, who toppled former Prime Minister John Howard to claim the seat of Bennelong in last year’s federal election.

Her campaign, which relied largely on doorknocks and community events, was based on protecting the city’s heritage, tightening planning guidelines to restrict development and creating a “more transparent” council.

She said she would spend her first week as mayor-elect bonding with her team of councillors, likely to be dominated by six independents.

“It’s a very disparate council with a range of experience and skills,” Ms Schier said.

“There are enough new people to bring a fresh approach to the council.”

Late yesterday, Mr Byrne sent Ms Schier a note of congratulations.

“I know, despite what was said during the campaign, that we pass on an excellent organisation. Good luck with your stewardship of the city’s affairs,” he wrote.

 

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