FOR WHOM the bell tolls’ may well be an apt description of Mayor George Seymour’s chances of retaining his Mayoralty beyond the current term.
Mayor George Seymour is highly regarded for his grassroots community involvement—handing out tickets at the Brolga, serving pies at local football games, and connecting with residents on a human level.
Despite some questions around his ability to maintain a hard edge in the demanding role of Mayor, he has navigated his position with dedication, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to his own principles.
He has selflessly devoted countless hours to various community projects, demonstrating his unwavering passion for the Fraser Coast and its residents.
However, the nearly year-long controversy surrounding the Sheraton Hervey Bay Resort development application has underscored his shortcomings in many vital areas, most notably his inability to unify stakeholders.
In stark contrast, Deputy Mayor Paul Truscott has established himself as a dynamic and forward-thinking leader, and there is no secret that he will be running for Mayor in the 2028 local government election. His candidacy for the top job is already being widely anticipated.
To provide some context, the Sheraton Hervey Bay Resort development application, by all rational assessments, should have received unanimous approval from all ten councillors and the Mayor.
The application garnered unprecedented levels of public support and opposition, with the facts clearly indicating that the formal submissions to the council overwhelmingly favoured approval.
Two surveys conducted by the Council demonstrated significant public backing for the development, with the second survey showing a decisive 85% to 15% support margin.
The “no” campaign’s street rallies consistently drew fewer than 100 participants each time, a testament to the limited opposition.
A thorough and detailed report prepared by James Cockburn, the Executive Manager of Planning and Growth, and Gerard Carlyon, the Director of Strategy, Community and Development—professionals with a combined 40 years of experience—recommended the project’s approval with specific conditions.
Despite this, and the evident public and expert support, a faction of the council, led by Mayor Seymour, opposed the development.
This opposition appears to be driven more by personal views and political naivety, than by the public interest.
It is challenging to comprehend the audacity of Mayor George Seymour, Cr Michelle Govers, Cr Lachlan Cosgrove, Cr John Weiland, and Cr Zane O’Keefe, who seem to have disregarded the wishes of the electorate.
Mayor Seymour, a steadfast critic of the development, claimed that the project did not align with Hervey Bay’s identity, a stance seemingly at odds with the community’s overwhelming support.
The Mayor’s role is to lead the region, particularly in guiding the new councillors—three of whom voted against the development—on how to balance personal views with the collective will of the community and the advice of seasoned professionals.
Feedback has highlighted that Mayor George Seymour’s stance on the Sheraton Hervey Bay Resort development has significantly damaged his political standing. Given the profile of this decision, this misstep may prove problematic to resolve.
The live-streamed meeting and voting process did not favour him well with respect to his ability to manage his transactional and legislative language, as the outcome began to unfold in front of him.
In contrast, Deputy Mayor Paul Truscott’s clear, concise, and passionate delivery during the meeting resonated with his leadership qualities, amongst both those in attendance, and many following along online.
It was the opinion of many that Cr Truscott effectively communicated the necessity for future growth and development in Hervey Bay, balancing economic and cultural imperatives with a message that the city is open for business. His performance had a job interview feel about it, impressing observers effortlessly.
Cr Paul Truscott’s candidacy for Mayor is a lay-down misère, and I am certain his closest advisors are encouraging him to make the most of the current sentiment and ensure his intentions are promptly made public.
He will need to build a strong profile across the broader region, presenting himself as the progressive candidate capable of unifying the local community and government, if he is to be successful. A job that would take some time.
Would Mayor George Seymour seek re-election under that landscape? That would be a fascinating watch.
