By Jeremy Sollars
Former Southern Downs deputy mayor Ross Bartley has confirmed he will stand as a councillor candidate at the 2020 council election on Saturday 28 March.
Mr Bartley told the Free Times today, Monday 2 March, he is nominating for councillor as he believes the rural community in the region needs “genuine representation”, something he says is “lacking in the current council”.
Mr Bartley stood unsuccessfully for the mayoralty at the 2016 Southern Downs Regional Council election, having previously been a councillor in the amalgamated council and under the Warwick Shire.
He and his family run a farming operation at The Hermitage east of Warwick. In recent times Mr Bartley was one of a number of rural sector identities at the forefront of a community campaign to prevent management of the Warwick Saleyards from being outsourced to a private operator.
Also confirming her candidacy as a councillor today is Southern Downs region tourism identity and operator based in the Stanthorpe area Marion Carrick.
Nominations for candidates in the 2020 Southern Downs Regional Council election close at midday tomorrow, Tuesday 3 March.
So far the mayoral candidates who have announced their candidacy are Tracy Dobie, Vic Pennisi and Joe Doepel.
