Abby McKibben has announced she will stand as an independent candidate for mayor at the upcoming Huon Valley Council elections.
McKibben, a long-time Huon Valley resident, small business owner, farmer and community leader, currently works as Manager of Community Engagement and Communications for the City of Hobart.
“I’ve learnt a lot working in local government in Hobart, but my heart has always been in the Huon,” McKibben said.
“Now I want to bring my professional experience home and work alongside our community to help lead the Huon Valley into its next chapter.”
McKibben has lived in the Huon Valley for more than 20 years and brings experience across local government, small business, tourism and agriculture.
She said with a smaller council, every seat around the table carries greater responsibility.
“That’s why I believe it’s more important than ever to elect people who have a deep understanding of local government and how it works, have strong community connections and a genuine commitment to working collaboratively,” she said.
McKibben unsuccessfully ran for the Labor targeting the Legislative Council seat of Huon earlier this year, with expanded access to childcare and support for young families among her key priorities.
She said the Huon Valley Council is unusual in that it delivers childcare, medical and aged care services alongside its traditional responsibilities.
“When a council is stepping up to provide services that are usually the responsibility of the private sector or other levels of government, it is fair to seek additional support given it’s ratepayers who are footing the bill,” she said.
McKibben pointed to the failed Transformer project as an example of why strong advocacy is needed to ensure promised funding is delivered.
She said the next focus would be making sure the state government’s promised $15 million medical centre for Huonville is realised.
Her priorities include responsible long-term regional planning, protecting essential community services, securing greater investment and making council more transparent.
“At the end of the day, this campaign is about making sure the Huon doesn’t get left behind,” she said.
