Community champion calls time on local government career

Published on 06 December 2023

The visionary leader of Australia’s largest resource region announced her retirement from local government in Queensland.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker broke the emotional news that she has made the decision not to contest the local government elections in March 2024.

Mayor Baker, who is one of Queensland’s most respected local government leaders, is known as a powerhouse community champion for her monumental lobbying and her authentic approach of putting people before politics.

Council CEO Ken Gouldthorp today described Mayor Baker as the political architect steering the ship for over a decade and the driving force behind a series of remarkable achievements.

“The Isaac region’s trajectory has been forever altered under her visionary guidance and she leaves a legacy that lays strong foundations for Isaac’s next chapter,” Mr Gouldthorp said.

“As we bid farewell to an Isaac icon, we salute Mayor Baker for her indelible mark on our region's history.

“Her inspirational legacy and authentic human approach to leadership is not just a chapter in our story, but a dynamic force that will resonate for generations to come.”

Mayor Baker, who has lived in the Bowen Basin for 40 years, shared her heartfelt thanks to her communities, Councillors and Council staff that have supported her throughout her career.

“After nearly 17 years representing the Isaac region, and the last 12 of those as Mayor, I have made the decision to retire from Council,” Mayor Baker said.

“It has been a wild ride and I have put my heart and soul in to fighting for Isaac, getting up every day to do my best for the community I love.

“I've cherished every moment of being Mayor, and I'm excited to see what the future holds for our incredible region.

At the end of a term filled with monumental achievements including saving Glenden, successful lobbying for a new hospital and securing over $120M in funding for our communities, Mayor Baker plans to take a break and spend time with family and friends.