Lockyer Valley Acting Mayor Statement
"With a sad heart, the Lockyer Valley has had a premature change of the guard with the passing of Mayor Steve Jones. Steve was elected as the inaugural Mayor of the newly formed Lockyer Valley Regional Council following council amalgamations in 2008.Steve was a staunch supporter and advocate for the place he called home, Steve loved all things Lockyer. He wasn't afraid to make the tough decisions, and none more so than his decision to relocate the township of Grantham.
The concept was simple, yet unprecedented, relocate the community to higher ground, out of the flood zone as part of an Australian first voluntary land swap agreement.
People said the project was too ambitious, it couldn't be done, he certainly proved them wrong. Steve achieved in four months, what would in normal circumstances take three years to achieve.
Next to his family, Steve's real love was transport. He loved trucks and the pivotal role they played in helping build and shape Australia as a nation. It was this love of trucks and the importance they played locally that saw the Queensland Transport Museum come to life. The facility boasts some very rare and unique vehicles and its success is a credit to that little boy inside a man with a huge heart.
Steve's unwavering commitment to the region is further evident with the construction of the Lockyer Valley Sports and Aquatic Centre, the Laidley Sports Complex and through his recent campaigning for the long term stability of the region with the construction of a pipeline connecting the Lockyer Valley to Wivenhoe Dam.
Much like his dream for the Strengthening Grantham project, his vision for the pipeline was simple.
Instead of letting millions of litres of water flow out to sea to ensure Wivenhoe stays at optimum levels, pipe that water to where it is needed most, to one of Australia's leading agricultural areas, the Lockyer Valley.
Council will continue to fight for the pipeline and would love nothing more than to see it come to fruition in Steve's honour.
Steve loved his family, he loved our region, he loved the ability that he could make a difference; Steve spent his entire career in Local Government driven by a desire to ensure that the Lockyer Valley would be in a better shape when he left, than when he started.
Steve Jones was our Mayor, our colleague and our friend.
Our sincere condolences go out to Steve's wife Ann and his family.
Council asks that the privacy of the family be respected. Because behind Steve Jones the Mayor, was Steve Jones the man, the husband, father, son, brother, pop and mate.
Details on the funeral service will be announced at a later stage," Cr Tanya Milligan said.
In lieu of flowers
The family of Mayor Steve Jones have requested that, in lieu of flowers being delivered to Council or the family, residents consider a donation to the Buy a Bale foundation, in support of drought-stricken farmers. This was a cause close to Steve's heart. For details on Buy a Bale, please visit
