Ex-councillors clear out
THEY might have lost the election, but former Cairns city councillors are planning to forge ahead in other areas.
Annette Sheppard all but ruled out a return to politics after losing the Division 6 contest to former radio personality Linda Cooper.
"I’m having a bit of a break and looking to the future," said Ms Sheppard, who has served 17 years as a councillor.
She said the divisional changes and a lack of money to support a media campaign were factors for her loss.
Deirdre Ford also blamed the divisional changes after narrowly losing Division 7 to health worker Di Forsyth.
Ms Ford said during her 15 years as a councillor she had focused on "back-to-basics" projects.
"I can hold my head up high and I’ve always been a full-time councillor," Ms Ford said.
Terry James’ 10 year stint in local government also come to an end on Saturday, after he was ousted by Rob Pyne, son of former mayor Tom Pyne.
Mr James, a building designer, said he was going "back to the drawing board, literally".
"I have no regrets," he said.
"I enjoyed the 10 years I was in council. You have to be disappointed but life goes on."
Mr James became deputy mayor of Cairns City Council in 2006 and was previously chairman of the works and services and Cairns Water committees.
Former Division 5 councillor Kathy Plath is also moving on, after only one term in local government.
The lifelong Cairns resident was unavailable for comment yesterday.
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Moving out: Deirdre Ford packs up her office after her 15 years as a Cairns city councillor ended with Saturday’s election loss.
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