Nicklin challenge

NEIL Turner, the member for the State seat of Nicklin, which takes in the Palmwoods district, will have an independent challenger at this year's State election.

Peter Wellington, of Belli, who represents Nambour on the Maroochy Shire Council, said he had served his apprenticeship in local government and was ready to take the concerns of the people of Nicklin all the way to George Street.

"Queenslanders are reeling from reports of greed, corruption, rorts, cover-ups and lies among our State politicians," he said. "We need an injection of good Independents, who will open the books to accountability."

He said many politicians paid lip-service to their electorate but at voting time, their hands went up on the party line.

"I owe no allegiance to any party or person and when my hand goes up it will be for the people of Nicklin," he said.

Mr Wellington, a solicitor, was returned for his second council term with an 86 percent majority last March. He also won widespread ratepayer support for his stand against salary hikes and what he termed "jolly junkets".

For the past four years, Mr Wellington has refused the full councillor's salary and has used the money to buy thousands of trees to give away to his divisional ratepayers. He also donates his Caloundra Maroochy Water Board salary to the Baroon Pocket fish hatchery.

"This Government is squandering taxpayer funds on self-promotion and pork barrelling of marginal electorates," Mr Wellington said. "I invite the people of Nicklin to join Wellington's army and help me win the battle for Nicklin."