Residents in the Northern Suburbs are urging electors across the region to vote ‘yes’ to the transfer of Glenlee, Glendale and Rockyview.
Mayor Tony Williams said three surveys have now shown that the Northern Suburbs residents overwhelmingly want to return to the Rocky Region.
“Livingstone has made clear that they’re not interested in hearing what these residents want,” said Mayor Williams.
“We care what they have to say because they’re already part of our community.
“The message from the Northern Suburbs to the rest of us is clear: vote ‘yes’ to bring them home.”
Northern Suburbs resident Dr Tracy Flenady says she is passionate about returning to the Rockhampton Region.
“Hand on heart, Rockhampton is where I feel like my home is,” said Dr Flenady.
“I live, work, play in Rockhampton, and my children are educated here.
“When asked where I live of course I say Rockhampton, but on paper that is not true.
“I have felt displaced since the de-amalgamation occurred and I am desperately seeking the solace of feeling ‘at home’ again.
“Although we will be better off financially after the transfer, with cheaper water fees straight away and predicted reductions in our future rates, it is more important to me that my family and I are recognised members of the community that we feel we belong in.
“If I was to speak to Rockhampton residents who have a voice in this vote I would say to them to please help bring us home. I know there are benefits for you as well but, speaking from the heart, we just want to come home.”
Glendale resident Dr Abraham Zacharia also urged electors to vote ‘yes’ to the transfer.
“As a dentist I’ve been working in Rocky for the last 18 years and we’ve been living in Glendale,” said Dr Abraham.
“My wife and I raised our children here – our children went to schools in Rockhampton and played sports in Rockhampton.
“We haven’t been using the services in Livingstone Shire because we are closer to Rocky than we are to Yeppoon.
“Everybody in the Rockhampton Region has a vote and a say in this and I really do hope that you vote yes and allow us in the Northern Suburbs to become part of Rockhampton Regional Council.”
