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Transforming a Provincial City: the Pilbeam Mayoralty in Rockhampton 1952–1982

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 February 2016

Doug Tucker
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Abstract

Rockhampton City's colourful and controversial Alderman Rex Pilbeam, qualified public accountant and secretary, longest-serving mayor (1952–82) of any Australian city, took office when Rockhampton was burdened with heavy municipal debt, poor quality roads, costly water supply, little sewerage, and few recreational facilities. However, Pilbeam's vision, single-minded devotion, unflagging energy, political skill, and managerial flair brought a dramatic turnaround in the city's fortunes. Continuing after retirement with voluntary community service until his mid-eighties, the Pilbeam legacy to Rockhampton is everywhere in evidence.

Type
Special Theme: Queensland: The Smart State
Information
Queensland Review , Volume 10 , Issue 1 , May 2003 , pp. 163 - 174
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 

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References

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