Who's Jane Prentice?

A love of working with people and of her adopted state of Queensland led Jane Prentice into local politics.

"I've always got the biggest buzz from working with others to achieve their goals. Local government is the first level of government where you can actually fix many of the problems. At a federal and state level it’s a lot of talk – at this level it’s a lot of work, and I enjoy getting results."

Over 25 years ago Jane saw the potential in Queensland tourism and the then quite new "convention" industry. She set up Conventions Queensland and took it from an office in the front room of her house to be one of Queensland’s leading conference and event management companies.

"Organising an event requires imagination, negotiation, attention to detail, and execution. No-one will remember your exquisite decor if they run out of drinks halfway through the evening. It’s a lot like local government really."

Jane believes that the duty of business is a lot more than just maximizing profits.

"I know the problems that small businesses have – I was running one – and it’s sometimes hard to look beyond income and expenses, but you have to. Your success depends on the support of your community and your stakeholders, and you need to be as involved with them as you can be."

Jane's involvement in her community included being a member and director of Brisbane Tourism, executive member of the Australian Telecommunications User’s Group as well as being a past president of the St Lucia Red Cross.

Since taking up the business of local government when elected as the Councillor for Walter Taylor in March of 2000, Jane’s made a number of incremental changes around this area which add up to an improving quality of life.

"Young people and families are a major priority, and over the last four years I’ve overseen a major investment in local parks including playgrounds, barbecues and exercise facilities."

Walter Taylor is a very green area of Brisbane and Jane wants to initiate a plan for the rehabilitation of Sandy Creek and other native habitat areas through the St Lucia Golf Course land.

Jane and her husband Ian have lived in the Ward for the last 30 years. They have two children - George and Caitlin.