'We need people on Council who can see the bigger picture and think strategically' - Jeremy Blockey confirms Councillor bid

DOUGLAS DECIDES 24'

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Cape Tribulation resident Jeremy Blockey (pictured left) has confirmed a run for Council at next month's local elections. Picture: Supplied

I would like to confirm that I will be running for Council at next month’s local Government elections in the Douglas Shire.

I’ve watched the Douglas Shire Council process over recent years with increasing concern and have made the decision that now is the time to step up and offer all my skills and experiences for the betterment of our Shire.

We need people on Council who not only can see the bigger picture and think strategically, but also who can drill down into Council agendas and understand the nitty gritty and those who are committed to working together.

The recent natural disaster event has exacerbated this concern with huge impacts both physically and economically.

Add the current uncertainty of the Mossman Mill and I respectfully don’t believe there is anyone more qualified putting their hand up for Council to be a part of solving these problems.

I intend to make a difference.

What skills do I bring to the Council table?

With an Economics degree in hand, I started my professional career in Cairns with renown economist Bill Cummings in 1988 and coincidentally one of my tasks was doing an economic impact study for the Daintree in 1990!

I then spent ten years at Cairns Port Authority working my way up from marketing assistant to Manager Corporate Services, being responsible for marketing, human resources, environment, and records management. From there I set up a business consultancy, initially with partners and then on my own, and have essentially been self-employed since.

Amongst the experience along the way I was president of the Cairns Chamber of Commerce for four years, (I) served on the board of Advance Cairns for five years, as well as other boards such as Trinity Anglican School, JUTE Theatre, the TNQ Institute of TAFE Council, and Djarragun Enterprises (an Indigenous social enterprise).

I was also the Queensland Government’s Special Trade Representative to Papua New Guinea for 15 months. More recently, I have been on the Douglas Chamber of Commerce management committee for four years, and became president in 2023.

In short, I have spent the better part of 35 years being involved in collaborative delegations to Brisbane and Canberra.

I’ve championed regional causes during the GFC, hosted chamber events for politicians at the highest level, led trade delegations across Cape York and the Torres Straits as well as Port Moresby, served on boards, deliberated on meeting agendas and financials and advised businesses and social enterprises on strategy and marketing.

Local elections will be held on March 16.