Who’s Who in 2022, Government Gurus: Jodie Shipway

Moreton Bay Regional Council Deputy Mayor Jodie Shipway’s been busy in 2022, settling into her role as Deputy Mayor and joining the committee of Regional Development Australia (RDA) Moreton Bay.

She’s also been a keen advocate for Council’s review of Local Laws, which is delivering a fresh framework for the region’s governance for Council officers and the community.

Cr Shipway’s work with RDA is a hands-on role facilitating economic development opportunities and investment for region.

It’s something she’s passionate about – ensuring the Moreton Bay Region’s name and reputation are top of mind when it comes to attracting industry and other businesses to the region.

When she was elected Deputy Mayor after the resignation of Cr Denise Sims in October last year, Cr Shipway said the region’s vast footprint was both a blessing and a challenge.

“Our region is growing faster than we ever dreamed.

“It still surprises me how large our region is – 2000sqkm – how diverse and how large it is, and with diversity comes a real challenge for Council.”

Cr Shipway said at the time that the review of Local Laws was a task she relished because it would provide an updated framework for the region’s governance.

“There’s really difficult things like how many pets can we keep in yards – you have rural versus a 300sqm block in Griffin.

“Consideration for the entire region is an absolute must.”

About Cr Jodie Shipway

Cr Shipway was elected in March 2020 as the Councillor for Division 4 and then to the role of Deputy Mayor in October 2021.

Before her election, Cr Shipway worked in real estate following a four-year stint working at Council in in procurement, which she left after the birth of son Mason.

She says being a Councillor is a grassroots role where she can talk to the community and have one-on-one interaction.

Cr Shipway has lived in Mango Hill for more than five years with husband Mark and their two sons.

While her role as Deputy Mayor and Councillor involves advocating for residents and businesses across the region, Cr Shipway’s an active member of her immediate community too, attending monthly meetings of the Mango Hill Progress Association and supporting her boys’ involvement in local sport.

She spends most weekends coaching, watching and volunteering at the boys' rugby league or basketball games.

Cr Shipway grew up in Kippa-Ring, where she was raised by mum Kerry alongside brother Michael.