MAYOR Karen Williams received the lion's share of local political donations in the run up to this year's local government elections, snagging more than $80,000 – mostly from local businesses and developers.
Her most generous benefactor was waste company JJ Richards, which is contracted to Redland City Council and gave $10,000.
North Stradbroke Island sand miner Sibelco dug deep with $5000 while Thornlands developer Ausbuild chipped in with $4000.
An organisation called the Bay Street Group which has a Brighton, Melbourne address gave $5000.
It shares staff with McKenzie Aged Care which has development projects at Capalaba and Cleveland.
Cr Williams said she was not in developers' pockets and would much prefer to have councillors publicly funded as occurred with other levels of government.
Last year she wrote to the state government, asking that change to be introduced.
"If I had been successful, I would have received $130,000,'' she said.
Cr Williams said she left the room at council any time issues were raised which related to anyone who had donated to her campaign.
Asked if taking money from developers was a bad look, she said she could rely only on the response of voters which was to reelect her.
"I have to declare everything over $200, including in-kind (donations),'' she said. "I have to fund my own campaign without any political party or union support.
"My campaign has to cover over three times the (geographical) size of the premier's or deputy premier's.''
“I deliver what I promise and I stand on that record.’’
Mayoral candidate Greg Underwood, who was defeated by Cr Williams, did not score any donations of more than $200.
Other councillors who similarly did not snag major donations included Murray Elliott, Mark Edwards, Paul Bishop, Wendy Boglary, Julie Talty, Tracy Huges and Paul Gleeson.
Cr Peter Mitchell did well, getting $4800 from CEQ Electrical of Loganholme and $3500 from McGirvan Media among a total of $10,400.
Losing candidate Craig Ogilvie received $500 from Sirromet Winery.
Cr Lance Hewlett also received $1000 from JJ Richards and a further $1000 from Tranquil Waters and Biddle Lawyers.
Cr Paul Golle said his declaration had been posted to the QEC. He had received a total of $830, with the largest donation being $200 from a doctor whom he had not met.
Protest group Redlands 2030 spent $880 on printing for its campaigns on Toondah Harbour and development while the Community Alliance for Responsible Planning spent nearly $5000 on its campaigning.