By Kate Lockyer
The new Councillor for Hamilton Ward, Julia Dixon, is a Kalinga resident who has a background in public policy and has previously worked for elected representatives.
“Hamilton Ward is an incredible part of Brisbane, and I am excited about the opportunity to represent its residents and make our suburbs an even better place to live, work and relax,” Cr Dixon said.
“I want to thank David McLachlan for an impressive 17 years of service to our city and the residents of Hamilton Ward.
“I look forward to working with Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner to make the Brisbane of tomorrow better than the Brisbane of today,” she said.
Cr Dixon said her background means she understands the importance of representing different values and dealing with community challenges.
She was selected by members of the Liberal National Party of Queensland (LNP) at a party meeting on August 5 to replace outgoing councillor David McLachlan.
Mr McLachlan announced in April that he would be stepping down after almost 17 years representing Hamilton Ward to focus on other things but would be on hand to assist the new councillor as required.
Following Cr Dixon’s selection Mr McLachlan said: “It’s great that Julia has been successful, she has a great opportunity to carry on the good work that Tim Nicholls started as councillor, and I continued as councillor.”
He said the challenges that predominate in the area relate to the changes expected due to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games at Northshore Hamilton and the Albion/Breakfast Creek Sports Precinct.
The changes in infrastructure and public transport required due to growth of the area as an attractive place for people to live and work is another challenge Mr McLachlan predicts for the incoming councillor.
“I’m pleased that with the decade of change going ahead from now until the Olympics, that the ward is in good, safe, capable hands to carry that forward,” he said.
“We have a younger councillor now who represents the demographic of the area – a young mum – and Julia will do a great job of representing this area.”
In the lead-up to the party meeting, LNP State Director Ben Riley said: “Hamilton Ward residents can be confident they will have a councillor who will work hard to build a better Brisbane and focus on the issues that matter to residents such as cost of living and investing in transport to reduce congestion.”
Cr Dixon will hold the position until March 2024, when she will be obliged contest the role at the next local government election.
At the time of going to press, she was scheduled to be officially sworn in as councillor on August 8.
Photo caption: Former Councillor for Hamilton Ward David McLachlan with newly chosen Councillor Julia Dixon
Have Your Say – Email editorial@village-voice.com.au