Division 11 Candidates “Guide”

Division 11 Candidate Guide

Moreton Bay City Council By-Election - September 27, 2025

An Independent Analysis of Candidate Positions & Accountability

How This Guide Was Created

Each candidate was asked 7 critical questions about transparency, accountability, and their ability to deliver on campaign promises. This guide analyzes their responses to help you make an informed decision.

Accountability

Will they report progress with real data?

Realism

Are promises achievable within council limits?

Transparency

Will they explain their votes publicly?

Community Engagement

How will they stay connected with residents?

Track Record

Have they delivered on commitments before?

Scoring Methodology Explained

Each candidate who answered the questions was scored on 5 categories, each worth up to 5 points, for a maximum total of 25 points.

How We Score (1-5 Scale)

  • 5 = Excellent: Specific, measurable commitments with clear mechanisms and timelines
  • 4 = Good: Strong commitments with some specific details and plans
  • 3 = Average: General commitments with limited detail or mechanisms
  • 2 = Weak: Vague statements with minimal commitment to accountability
  • 1 = Poor: No clear commitment or evidence provided

No Weighting - All Categories Equal

Each category represents 20% of the total score:

  • Accountability (20%): Will they report progress with real data and evidence?
  • Realism (20%): Do they understand council's actual powers and budget constraints?
  • Transparency (20%): Will they explain their votes and decisions publicly?
  • Community Engagement (20%): What structures will they use to stay connected?
  • Track Record (20%): Have they delivered on public commitments before?

Why Some Candidates Have No Score

Look, not everyone lives on Facebook! Some candidates didn't answer our 7 questions - maybe they were busy, maybe they're not on the Dayboro Facebook page, or maybe they're just too cool for social media. Who knows?

Disclaimer: This is NOT an official assessment. Think of it as your local voter's attempt at making sense of political promises - for entertainment purposes only! We're not telling you how to vote (we're not that brave). You're smart enough to make your own decisions.

If candidates want to answer the questions, they're welcome to join the Facebook group. If not, that's fine too - maybe their silence speaks volumes, or maybe they just prefer carrier pigeons. You decide! 🗳️

Division 11 Candidates - Accountability Assessment

7 candidates registered • 5 full responses • 1 partial response • 1 no response

Ellie Smith

Score: 22/25 Progressive/Left
Who is Ellie?

A detailed, issue-oriented candidate with strong community engagement plans. Environmental consultant with legislative reform experience. Emphasizes participatory democracy and youth engagement.

Key Commitments

Performance Reporting Commits to biannual performance reports with clear metrics and evidence
Community Engagement Mobile offices, town halls, youth advisory committee, working with progress associations
Transparency Will publish detailed policies online, explain all votes, and maintain open communication on social media

Accountability Approach

  • Detailed policies available on website
  • Regular community roundtables timed for working families
  • Youth advisory committee for next generation input
  • Clear communication of budgeting decisions
  • Open to online Q&As (did these fortnightly in federal campaign)
Accountability
4.5
Realism
4
Transparency
4
Engagement
5
Track Record
4.5
Past Achievement: Successfully worked with farmers to change Queensland laws around gas exploration permits, requiring public scrutiny and Environmental Impact Statements.

Dean Clements

Score: 21.5/25 Centre-Left
Who is Dean?

Pragmatic, community-focused candidate who acknowledges council budget constraints. Has experience securing government commitments and emphasizes continuous community engagement.

Key Commitments

Specific Infrastructure New road and bridge across Terrors Creek, Village Green at Samford Parklands, Young/Oakey Flats intersection upgrade
Reporting Biannual performance reports to hold himself accountable
Community Partnership Q&As through Progress Association to prevent manipulation, continued door knocking and listening posts

Accountability Approach

  • Supports independent community panel for performance review
  • Will explain all council votes publicly
  • Believes campaigning doesn't stop after election
  • Community-led Q&A sessions through Progress Association
  • Willing to step down if failing to deliver
Accountability
4
Realism
5
Transparency
4
Engagement
4.5
Track Record
4
Past Achievement: Worked with Council and State Government to secure commitment for Terrors Creek infrastructure and Dayboro Scouts Hall refurbishment.

Paul Smith

Score: 20/25 Centre
Who is Paul?

Independent candidate focused on transparency and practical governance. Avoids making unrealistic promises and emphasizes council fundamentals like road maintenance. Values openness above all.

Key Commitments

Radical Transparency "More open than a 7-Eleven" - will list all council considerations and provide commentary on decisions
Regular Contact Monthly open meetings in Dayboro, Samford, and Narangba - same time, same place
No Secrets "It's local government, not ASIO" - will note and comment on everything publicly

Accountability Approach

  • Won't make promises about forcing council to do things (realistic about one councillor's power)
  • Focus on fundamentals: road maintenance, infrastructure upkeep
  • Monthly scheduled community meetings in three locations
  • Open to online Q&A sessions
  • Will be "an open book" - people can judge if he achieves goals
Accountability
3.5
Realism
5
Transparency
5
Engagement
4
Track Record
2.5
Note: Honest about limited public track record but has worked with local groups at administrative level. Says he promised to "love and cherish" his wife and "so far so good on that front!"

Clayton Connor

Score: 19/25 Centre-Right
Who is Clayton?

42-year military veteran focused on structure, discipline, and execution. Proposes creating a community "manifesto" through symposiums. Qualified auditor with command experience.

Key Commitments

Divisional Symposium Invite all resident associations to identify common and specific issues, create priority manifesto
Performance Reports Biannual reports on achievement progress with clear explanations of any failures
Divisional Communication Group Establish formal structure for anyone to contact and discuss issues

Accountability Approach

  • Will issue biannual performance reports
  • Create Divisional manifesto through community symposium
  • Transparency on voting record and reasons
  • If failing, will offer reasons and face electoral consequences
  • Military background: commanded 138 auditors, ensures things done right
Accountability
4
Realism
4
Transparency
4.5
Engagement
3.5
Track Record
3
Past Experience: 42 years military service, emergency response planning for floods/fires, SES member in Darwin, commanded audit teams.

Mal Gibson

Score: 16/25 Centre-Right
Who is Mal?

19-year local resident with 20 years small business experience. Emphasizes consultation over specific promises. Focus on roads, public transport, and community facilities. Philosophy: "under promise and over deliver."

Key Focus Areas

Roads Push for improved road infrastructure before further population growth, lobby state for improvements
Public Transport Major concern for Dayboro - solutions through community consultation and working groups
Community Facilities Better investment in community groups - sports, arts, culture, youth, service groups

Accountability Approach

  • Focus on ongoing consultation rather than bold promises
  • Community catch-ups and consultation groups
  • 13 years experience in developing countries overcoming challenges
  • 20 years successful small business operation
  • Community votes every 4 years as ultimate assessment
Accountability
3
Realism
4
Transparency
2.5
Engagement
3
Track Record
3.5
Note: Less specific on transparency mechanisms and formal accountability structures. Emphasizes business experience and philosophy of under-promising.

Carl Enchelmaier

Score: 13/25* Centre/Pragmatic
Who is Carl?

Candidate who emphasizes collaborative approach and being the community's voice in council decisions. Realistic about the challenges and need to work with other councillors and levels of government. Willing to adjust priorities based on resident feedback.

Key Approach

Community Voice Sees role as being the voice for the community when decisions are made about Division 11's future
Flexible Priorities Will temper personal opinions based on what residents think - example: wants Dayboro bus service but won't push if residents don't want it
Collaborative Approach Acknowledges need to work with other councillors and levels of government to achieve outcomes

Accountability Approach

  • "My silence will condemn me" - will publicize wins for residents
  • Acknowledges electoral accountability in 2028
  • Willing to adjust priorities based on community feedback
  • No specific transparency or reporting mechanisms outlined
Accountability
2.5
Realism
4
Transparency
2
Engagement
3.5
Track Record
1
Important Note: *Carl was NOT asked all 7 accountability questions - this assessment is based on only ONE response. Cannot be fairly scored against other candidates who answered all questions. Shows pragmatic approach but insufficient data for full evaluation.

Caleb Wells

Not Asked Questions Unknown
Status: Not on Facebook Group

Caleb Wells is one of the 7 registered candidates for Division 11. He was NOT asked the accountability questions as he doesn't appear to be on the Dayboro and Surrounds Community Facebook page. Not everyone does Facebook!

No Information From Questions

Not Asked The 7 accountability questions weren't posed to Caleb as he's not on the Facebook group where they were posted.

Learn More About Caleb

Note: Without responses to the accountability questions, we can't assess Caleb's transparency commitments. Check the Moreton Daily article and other sources for his positions.

Join the Community Discussion

Want to ask questions or share your thoughts with other Division 11 voters?

Join Dayboro & Surrounds Community Group

Make your voice heard. Ask candidates questions. Your vote shapes our community.

Created by Henk - Division 11 Voter & George

This independent analysis is based on candidate responses to accountability questions.

Vote on September 27, 2025 | Postal voting only

#MoretonBayVotes #Division11 #TransparencyMatters

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