Film star to run for Whitsunday mayor position

He may have retired from acting some years ago, but Grigor Taylor best known for his role in an early 1970s Australian TV police drama series still want in on the action.

The man who lives in the northern part of the Whitsunday Regional Council electorate is part of a proactive team which is promoting an “amalgamation of the two shires” rather than “a war between them”.

“It’s been gang warfare and it must stop. The joining of shires is the hand the state government dealt us – we simply have to work together,” said Mr Taylor.

Mr Taylor’s team consists of Division five candidate Terry Pilcher - a prominent businessman in Bowen and candidate for Division six Marg Tawse a teacher and trained draughtswoman.

“We have a slogan, which is a bit tongue in cheek but it fits,” laughed Marg … “together we will rebuild the region. Terry and Grigor are both builders and I can read the plans, which not a lot of people can do.”

The trio is promoting a list of promises they will bring into play once they are elected.

The top ones being rates capped in the first year, and never to increase beyond CPI, a complete freeze on selling public land, and a streamlined process where citizens can engage with council.

“When you go into a shop and a product is increased beyond the CPI you can choose not to buy it. With rates you can’t, they’re compulsory. I believe that council’s costs should never go past the community’s ability to meet these costs. We need to live within our means,” Mr Grigor said.

Mr Pilcher says their approach is about common sense and
co-operation.

“We won’t make a decision unless it is in the best interest of the majority – it’s as simple as that,” Mr Pilcher said.

Mr Taylor said his list of promises were designed for the genuine betterment of the community and he would be surprised if there was one candidate for the election that didn’t agree with any of them.

“I would like to see one councillor run their hand down our list and tell us which ones they don’t support. It won’t happen.”