Vale Lockyer Valley Mayor Steve Jones

The Mayors of South East Queensland (SEQ) have mourned the passing of their colleague and friend, Lockyer Valley Mayor Cr Steve Jones. Mayor Jones has passed away at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane after suffering a severe stroke.

Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chair Cr Graham Quirk acknowledged Mayor Jones’ significant contribution to Local Government in SEQ, and his unwavering commitment to the communities of the Lockyer Valley. “Steve was a colleague and a mate to the Mayors of SEQ, and we are devastated by the events of the last 48 hours. Our thoughts go out to his family, his Council and the residents of the Lockyer Valley,” said Cr Quirk.

“Mayor Steve Jones was a straight shooter, honest and real, and never took a backwards step when it came to standing up for the needs of the Lockyer Valley and its residents. Steve was passionate and outspoken because he genuinely cared and worked everyday for the people of the Lockyer Valley.” This was never more evident than in the aftermath of the 2011 floods when Steve led his local community through its darkest days.

Cr Graham Quirk went on to say “No one was a better ambassador for the bush and the interests of our rural communities than Steve. His contribution to the Council of Mayors (SEQ) will be greatly missed.”

Steve Jones was elected as the inaugural Mayor of the Lockyer Valley Regional Council in March 2008, after serving as Mayor of the former Gatton Shire Council since 2004. Mayor Jones has been an integral part of the Council of Mayors (SEQ) since its inception in 2005.

Meanwhile, tributes are flowing in for the late Cr Jones.  Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszcuk said “Steve was one of our hardest working civic leaders. Steve led his community through the devastation of the 2011 floods and into recovery. He was an inspiration when Queensland was at its lowest. He lifted us all.”

The family, through daughter-in-law Stacey Ebert, is appealing for privacy and has thanked all who sent Steve goodwill messages. Doctors at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane turned off  life support on Friday night. Mayor Jones is survived by his wife Ann and three sons.