“I worked with Greg Barnes at Burnett Shire between 2000 and 2004. During this period I was the Council’s Chief Executive Officer and Greg was a newly elected Councillor.
I found Greg to be hard working, astute and committed to the highest standards of accountability, honesty and integrity. Greg expected those around him, including his fellow Councillors, me and my staff to exhibit those same high standards.
During 2000 and 2004 Burnett Shire experienced exceptional residential and commercial growth. Through this period Greg was Chairman of the Planning and Development Committee.
Greg had an outstanding grasp of his responsibilities as a Chairperson and an excellent understanding of Planning and Environmental legislation.
In my observation Greg placed the welfare of the community at the forefront of his thinking and was highly effective in balancing the needs and expectations of the community with those of the development industry.
Through his dual role as Councillor and Chairperson of the Chamber of Commerce Greg took a lead role in developing tourism at both a local and regional level.
Greg was one of the driving forces behind the Bargara foreshore redevelopment and worked tirelessly with the Regional Development Board to get Bundaberg and the Coral Coast recognised as a tourism destination.
His commitment to the community is also evidenced by the enormous personal contribution he makes to the running of community events including the annual Bargara ANZAC Day commemoration.
I have no hesitation in recommending Greg as a Councillor committed to his community and having the drive, enthusiasm and knowledge to make things happen.”
Gary Rinehart