General News
12 July, 2023
Councillor Amy Eden stands for Cairns mayoralty
FIRST-term Cairns regional councillor Amy Eden is to run for mayor next year.
Current Mayor Bob Manning is retiring at the next election and it is expected his deputy Terry James will contest the city’s top job.
Cr Eden, who looks after division 5 which includes the Cairns CBD, announced her run for the mayoralty at 11.30am today.
Cr Eden says she is pledging fresh, effective, and independent leadership and “has a framework of
action focused on making Cairns even better for everyone”.
Born and raised in the Northern Territory, Cr Eden and her husband Nick chose to call
Cairns home 20 years ago, “feeling a firm sense of belonging in the community
from day one”.
Now, she said she sought to bring her energy, independent leadership, and
care for the city to the role of mayor, envisioning a brighter future for all.
“My campaign is not a quick sprint to the polling booth but a continuous commitment
that began the day I was elected as Division 5 councillor in 2020,” Cr Erden said.
“Throughout my term, I have actively listened to the needs and concerns of the community and will continue to do so.
“To kickstart my community-led engagement campaign, I will be holding listening
sessions. These will provide a platform for residents to voice their opinions and share
their ideas.”
Cr Eden said she recognised that the Unity Team led by Mayor Manning achieved initial
success in their first eight years in office but she lamented the lack of leadership and
inaction over the past four years.
“My pledge is to reinvigorate the mayoral position with a renewed focus on driving
progress, and positively impacting the lives of Cairns' residents. I offer a leadership
built on relationships, values, and vision,” she said.
“Team Eden is being brought together between now and the end of the year and will
consist of a diverse range of talents and expertise who share a common vision for
Cairns.
“The team will comprise of dedicated professionals, community advocates, and
individuals from various walks of life, all united by their unwavering belief in the power
of collaboration and community-driven decision-making.”
