Meander Valley Councillor Susie Bower has been endorsed to contest the Federal seat of Lyons for the Liberal Party.

State President Rod Scurrah said Susie has a strong record of standing up for regional Tasmania.

“Susie has an extensive background in local government, higher education and advanced manufacturing sectors, and has the skills to deliver results for Lyons,” he said.

“Susie was part of a strong Liberal state team that earlier this month delivered a primary vote of 51% in the seat of Lyons, compared to Labor’s 33%.”

Susie Bower said she was honoured to be selected by the Party and is looking forward to engaging with the electorate.

“My number one priority as a representative for Lyons will be to support new industries for Tasmania and get more young people into work so we can give people in regional areas the opportunity to stay and enjoy the Tasmanian way of life.”

“Through my roles as CEO of the Bell Bay Advanced Manufacturing Zone and Director of Community and Economic Development at Dorset Council, I have worked with Government, business and the community to support investment and opportunity in our regional areas.”

Susie lives at Westbury in the Meander Valley.

About Susie Bower

• Born in 1971 (49 years old).
• Lives at Westbury (25 minutes out of Launceston).
• Grew up in Chudleigh and Deloraine (roughly halfway between Devonport and Launceston) before studying at the University of Tasmania and moving to roles interstate before returning to Tasmania in 2007.
• She has spent over 20 years working in local government and the higher education sector in Regional Tasmania and has broad management experience.
• Currently the Chief Executive Officer – Bell Bay Advanced Manufacturing Zone, working in collaboration with government and community to support growth, investment and business diversification in the George Town and Tamar Valley regions. The BBAMZ aim is to lift the profile of the Bell Bay zone locally, nationally and internationally as well as build a sense of community pride in the region. 59% of manufacturing exports in Tasmania are produced in the Zone.
• Ms Bower has previously held roles as:
  • the Director of Community and Economic Development at the Dorset Council in North East Tasmania,
    • Role included managing the $3.5m world class Blue Derby Mountain Bike Trails project and establishing four new scholarships for rural students wishing to pursue higher education.
• Business Lecturer and Discipline Teacher at the University of Tasmania Launceston, and Business Manager for the Institute of Regional Development at the University’s Burnie Campus.
• Elected as a Councillor for the Meander Valley Municipality (Outer Launceston and Northern Lyons region) in 2018.
• Wants to support new industries for Tasmania, getting more people in to work, especially young people. Example – Hydrogen at Bell Bay.

Policy interests include advanced manufacturing, education, renewables, local government and health.