General News
15 September, 2024
Bates eyes off Mulgrave
ANOTHER former Cairns regional councillor has thrown his hat into the state political arena.
Richie Bates has confirmed he is the Labor candidate for Mulgrave, replacing Curtis Pitt, who is retiring after 15 years.
Mr Bates is a 58-year-old father-of-two and a former railway technician, regional councillor, Queensland Government sports and tourism advisor, cycling coach and a long-term advocate for Cairns.
He was a councillor for two terms (eight years) and worked for Queensland Rail for 24 years.
For the past three years he has been an adviser for Cairns MP Michael Healy.
“A vote for me is a vote for the future of Mulgrave,’’ Mr Bates said.
“We know the city’s growth is in Mulgrave. That’s why Labor is investing in the critical services and infrastructure we need.
“My priorities are cost-of-living, health and housing.
“The Pitt family has a strong legacy for Labor in Mulgrave and I will build on that.”
Mr Bates will be competing against a former colleague and former Cairns mayor Terry James, who is the LNP candidate for Mulgrave. He said a formal announcement of his candidacy is expected to be made in Mulgrave today.
Mr Pitt had endorsed TV actor Aaron Fa’aoso. Other candidates are Steve Lesina (Katter Party), and independents Yodie Batzke and Dave Raymond.
