MEANDER Valley Councillor Susie Bower has been endorsed to contest the seat of Lyons for the Liberal Party at the next Federal Election. Liberal Party state president Rod Scurrah said Ms Bower had a strong record of standing up for regional Tasmania.
“Susie has an extensive background in local government, higher education and advanced manufacturing sectors, and has the skills to deliver results for Lyons,” Mr Scurrah said. “Susie was part of a strong Liberal state team that earlier this month delivered a primary vote of 51% in the seat of Lyons, compared to Labor’s 33%.”
Ms Bower said she was honoured to be selected by the party. “My number one priority as a representative for Lyons will be to support new industries for Tasmania and get more young people into work so we can give people in regional areas the opportunity to stay and enjoy the Tasmanian way of life.”
“Through my roles as chief executive officer of the Bell Bay Advanced Manufacturing Zone and director of community and economic development at Dorset Council, I have worked with Government, business and the community to support investment and opportunity in our regional areas,” she said.
The Liberal Party has provided the following background information about Ms Bower.
- Born in 1971.
- Lives at Westbury.
- Grew up in Chudleigh and Deloraine before studying at the University of Tasmania and moving to roles interstate. Returned to Tasmania in 2007.
- More than 20 years working in local government and the higher education sector in regional Tasmania and has broad management experience.
- Currently the chief executive officer of the Bell Bay Advanced Manufacturing Zone, working in collaboration with government and community to support growth, investment and business diversification in the George Town and Tamar Valley regions.
- Ms Bower has previously held roles as:
- the director of community and economic development at the Dorset Council,
- Business lecturer at the University of Tasmania Launceston, and Business Manager for the Institute of Regional Development at the University’s Burnie Campus.
- Elected as a Councillor for the Meander Valley Municipality in 2018.
