THE birth of her first grandchild, expected on the eve of the election, will spur mayor Karen Williams in her bid to win a further four years in the top job at Redland City Council.
She will take on at least two other candidates in the March election, the most visible of which has been engineer and scientist Claire Richardson.
Ms Richardson and Cr Williams are running opposing campaigns based on business sense and change versus 16 years of council experience.
Head of Keep Queensland Beautiful David Curtin has been keeping a low profile but also plans to run, saying his platforms include transparency, sustainability, the environment, tourism and increased community engagement.
Cr Williams said innovation, as well as jobs and infrastructure, had been among her council's top achievements.
"We have an exciting white water rafting, adventure sports and emergency services precinct being looked at, we have a new multi-million dollar sports complex on the way and about another 10 hectares of parks where my granddaughter and other local kids will play.
"We have a possible regional Olympics bid on the horizon that has the potential to not only deliver an exciting world class sporting venue, but more importantly the transport infrastructure we have been crying out for.
"We are at the table for the largest city deal in Australia."
Cr Williams said in the technology field, the Redlands was punching above its weight with projects like Karragarra's self-driving vehicle trial, a Cleveland road surfaced with recycled plastics and hydrogen projects at the Redlands Research Facility.
"It will take a steady hand at the wheel to see (these projects) through so future generations of Redlanders can see the results," she said.
Mr Curtin said he had been conducting community discussions and said people felt they needed to be better represented in council.
Ms Richardson told the Redland City Bulletin last year that residents were disillusioned with council's leadership, especially its approach to development.
"I am convinced there are more innovative ways to help the Redlands thrive than 'business as usual'."
Ms Richardson, who has a background in planning, said her focus would be on sustainable improvement.
She was campaigning on appropriate development, reducing traffic congestion, sustainable growth, transparency and community engagement.
If Cr Williams is successful, it will be her third term as mayor.
