Logan mayoral race hots up

Mr Freeman said he would campaign on integrity, calling on candidates to declare how much was being spent on campaigns and where money was coming from.

Mr Freeman will join mayoral front runners, Brett Raguse, Luke Smith and Ken Houliston. Child safety campaigner Hetty Johnston has pulled out while Mayor Pam Parker is not standing.

Businessman Steve Shoard, who stood in 2008, also has nominated, saying he will give his mayoral salary to charity. Mr Freeman has made a similar pledge.

Mr Shoard said he was concerned about growth at Flagstone and Yarrabilba and the chronic need for infrastructure. He would not do preference deals.

Mr Freeman said he had introduced a vision for Logan in 2000 to make the place a good area to live and work and it had been let go. The vision also was for integrity in local government and he would pursue this.

“I will publicly name any donors to my campaign no matter how large or small,’’ he said.

Tens of thousands of dollars had been promised or accepted by opponents and he believed trade unions, developers and self interest groups were backing candidates.

He wants all candidates to reveal funding details, especially Luke Smith.

Cr Smith is the beneficiary of a company called Logan Futures.

Mr Smith said it had been set up under Queensland Electoral Commission requirements and spending would be disclosed after the election.

“I’m backed by people around southeast Queensland and lots of mums and dads in Logan,’’ he said.

“I’ve got nothing to hide.’’

Nominations close at noon on February 16.