Shearwater’s James Redgrave is campaigning to become Latrobe’s next mayor on a promise to put residents ahead of big business and party politics, in a four-way contest to replace retiring mayor Peter Freshney.

Mr Redgrave, a military veteran, small business owner and district governor of Lions in Tasmania, told the Hobart Mercury that large companies profiting from Tasmania’s resources and lifestyle should be made to give more back to the communities that host them.

“Let’s break the back of the powerful here and say enough is enough,” he said.

He wants community benefits from major energy and infrastructure developments written into law and made enforceable, naming Marinus Link and the large AI data centres proposed around the state. He also said companies wanting to connect to the grid should help pay for the infrastructure that makes it possible.

The data centre question is close to home. Last month Latrobe Council stopped works at Firmus Technologies’ proposed 52-megawatt AI data centre at Wesley Vale while it checked whether site clearing had gone beyond what was approved, and asked the Planning Minister to declare the project a major project (our earlier report).

Mr Redgrave also called for stronger protection for farmers, butchers and small businesses against large processors and supermarket chains, and warned against party figures running local campaigns under an independent label.

He has stood for state parliament before, for the Jacqui Lambie Network and, at the 2025 state election, as an independent on a group ticket. The Mercury described him as One Nation-aligned. In his official candidate statement he writes that he “won’t pretend NOT to be part of a political party”, and promises an open door and to keep asking hard questions.

The other contenders

Deputy Mayor Vonette Mead, of Sassafras, has served eight years on council. Her statement offers experienced leadership and “balanced growth” that creates opportunities for young people and families.

Brett Whiteley, of Squeaking Point, is a former Liberal MP and adviser to Premier Jeremy Rockliff. He is promising less pressure on rates, better council communication and major upgrades to outdated infrastructure.

Dean “Nobby” Broomhall, of Hawley Beach, did not lodge a candidate statement with the Electoral Commission.

All four are also standing for council. Fourteen candidates are contesting the seven council seats, and five are running for deputy mayor: Roxley Felmingham, David Fidler, Mal Hingston, Darrell Poke and Gerrad Wicks.

How to vote

Voting is compulsory and by post for Latrobe’s 10,396 enrolled electors. Nearly 40 per cent had returned their ballots by close of business last Thursday, the Mercury reported.

Completed ballots can go in the reply-paid envelope (no stamp needed) or be dropped at the Latrobe Council office, and must reach the Tasmanian Electoral Commission by 2pm on Tuesday 27 October. Counting starts at 9am the next day.

Every candidate’s statement, in their own words, is on the Electoral Commission’s website.