40 Year Councillor to Retire
Published 04 September 2015
One of Queensland’s longest-serving councillors has announced he will retire in March 2016 following 40 years of service to the local community.
Moreton Bay Regional Council’s Division 10 Councillor Brian Battersby OAM made the announcement this week in the same council chamber at Strathpine where he was inducted as a councillor nearly four decades earlier.
The Order of Australia Medal recipient was first elected in 1976 to Pine Rivers Shire Council and successfully contested 12 elections, including three unopposed.
“To have served my community for 40 consecutive years is both an honour and privilege, and I have carried out my duties as elected representative for The Hills District, Bunya and the southwest of Albany Creek with enormous pride,” Cr Battersby said.
“I’ve seen some significant technological change in the way council and the community does business, and watched our region emerge to become one of the fastest growing urban areas on the Australian continent.
“My focus has been on the delivery of the projects that are important to the local community such as roads, libraries, pools, parks, sporting facilities and drainage, while also supporting the big regional infrastructure initiatives including the Moreton Bay Rail and the proposed University Precinct.”
Councillor Battersby was instrumental in forming council’s first Local Disaster Management Group in 1979.
Mayor Allan Sutherland paid tribute to Cr Battersby’s four decades of decorated service to his community.
“Councillor Battersby’s dedication to his community is well known and has been recognised with an Order of Australia Medal for service to the community and local government, as well as the Centenary Medal for ongoing commitment,” Mayor Sutherland said.
“Such is his passion for serving The Hills District, Cr Battersby goes out of his way to welcome new residents to the community in person most Saturday mornings.
“Cr Battersby’s achievements in his community have been many, but I know the development of James Drysdale Reserve, where many thousands of young people have played sport over the years, is among those he is most proud.
“It’s a great privilege to have worked alongside one of Queensland’s longest-serving councillors and I wish Cr Brian Battersby and wife Lorraine the very best for their retirement together.
“On behalf of council, thank you Cr Battersby for 40 great and memorable years of service to the community and our region.
“Cr Battersby’s successor has big shoes to fill.