Profile

I am offering the people of Western Downs strong leadership, strong representation, and a total commitment to the region.

I was born in Dalby and raised on the family wheat and grazing property at Moonie. I began my education at the small Moonie State School for my primary years, completing my education at both Toowoomba Grammar and  Ipswich Grammar,  where I enjoyed sporting and academic pursuits. I represented the State in school boy competition for rugby, athletics and cricket and have played cricket and rugby for local teams over the years. I travelled extensively after completing my education, and was actually travelling through Argentina in 1982 as a tourist when the Falkland war broke out.  During this time I worked in Canada in the agricultural industry.

My wife Lisa and I have 2 adult children and live on the family grain and cattle property in the Moonie district, when not on the road or staying in Dalby. I have over 21 years experience in Local Government ( Tara Shire Council for 17 years prior to running for Mayor of the Western Downs), representing many committees over this period, with particular emphasis on finance, roads and infrastructure, aged care, the environment, development, tourism, and rural health. My slogan for my first mayoral campaign, “A mayor for all communities” indicates my genuine desire for unity in the new region.

As I approach a new term of The Western Downs Regional Council, I feel even more passionate about the future of this region than when I began my term as Mayor four years ago. I believe there is so much more we can achieve in our region. With your support, I look forward to working with councillors and staff, to offer ever-improving facilities and services for our communities. The recent floods brought many challenges, and as a community we all pulled together, but there is still much to be done to rebuild. The ever emerging energy sector will continue to create enormous pressure on services and infrastructure in the region. As Mayor, I will work with all governments and sectors to deliver a sustainable future and quality lifestyle for all our residents. I will continue to lobby State and Federal governments for improved infrastructure, better roads, housing affordability and water security and will continue to promote our very essential agricultural and small business sector.

I thank all communities for your support during my first term as Mayor and look forward to the challenges ahead.

For strong leadership, strong representation and total commitment to the region
Vote 1 Ray Brown for Mayor
“Our Region, Our Future”