Jodie Shipway new Deputy Mayor

Published 12:17pm 20 October 2021

Jodie Shipway has been elected as Moreton Bay Regional Council’s Deputy Mayor in the wake of Denise Sims’ resignation last night.

Cr Shipway (Div 4) was elected to the position unanimously after a secret voting process conducted over two rounds.

The position was contested by Cr Tony Latter (Div 12), Cr Adam Hain (Div 3) and Cr Shipway in the first round and Cr Hain and Cr Shipway in the second.

Deputy Mayor Cr Jodie Shipway paid tribute to outgoing Councillor Denise Sims.

Cr Shipway’s successful pitch to her colleagues centred on the theme of unity and the need for greater regional representation for the entire Moreton Bay Region, not just individual Divisions.

“I believe I've proven myself to be a team player with a regional focus,” she said in her pitch to colleagues.

“Chairing the well planned region session has been fantastic to date and has further broadened my understanding of our region and why it's so important for this council to work collaboratively,” she said.

“Representing the entire council when I speak and comment in the community has been a key focus for me.

“I acknowledge that I am quite early in my journey here at council and do want to note that I am not running today as a springboard to run as Mayor in 2024 but rather I see an opportunity to grow personally and add value to our current leadership team.”

Cr Shipway thanked councillors for voting her into the role.

“Obviously it’s been a bit of a whirlwind (but) I think Council has proven we can handle most things,” she said.