Mayor & Councillors

The Diamantina Shire Council consists of a Mayor and four Councillors, elected by the community to represent the interests of the Shire.
Councillors serve a four-year term and are responsible for ensuring the good rule and governance of their electoral area. The Mayor also presides over Council meetings, ensures decisions are implemented, and represents the Shire at official functions.

 

Councillor Register of Interest

Section 295 of the Local Government Regulation 2012 states that:

  1. A local government must make a copy of the register of interests of each councillor available for inspection at the local government’s public office.
  2. Also, the local government must make an extract of the register of interests of each councillor available for inspection on the local government’s website.

Registers for a particular councillor can be found under their profile.

 


Mayor Francis Murray

Mayor

  • Phone0438 999 267
  • Alternate Phone07 4746 1600
  • Email Francis.Murray@Diamantina.qld.gov.au
  • ProfileDrawing on his background in business, regional logistics, and community service, Francis brings a practical, people-first approach to local leadership. Alongside his wife Michelle, he is passionate about strengthening opportunities for youth, celebrating arts and culture, and ensuring sustainable growth across the region.

Damien Watson

Deputy Mayor

  • Phone0429 627 215
  • Alternate Phone07 4746 1600
  • Email Damien.Watson@Diamantina.qld.gov.au
  • ProfileThis is Damien’s first term in local government, and he is dedicated to ensuring the long-term sustainability and liveability of one of Queensland’s largest and most remote Shires. He is passionate about community engagement, valuing open communication and diverse perspectives to guide inclusive and effective decision-making for the future of the Diamantina.

Kerry Morton

Councillor

  • Phone0488 544 506
  • Alternate Phone07 4746 1600
  • Email Kerry.Morton@Diamantina.qld.gov.au
  • ProfileKerry lives in the Diamantina with his partner Prue and their children, Emily and Cameron. With strong family roots and a lifelong connection to the region, he brings valuable knowledge of the land, livestock, and local industry to his role on Council, ensuring the perspectives of remote and rural communities are well represented.

Damian Clarke

Councillor

  • Phone0472 866 267
  • Alternate Phone07 4746 1600
  • Email Damian.Clarke@Diamantina.qld.gov.au
  • ProfileStation Manager at Kamaron Downs, Damian brings strong community spirit and practical insight to his role on Council. Originally from Kyogle, the Darling Downs, and Warwick, Damian now calls the Diamantina home with his wife Emma and their children. A former bull rider with an impressive rodeo record, Damian is known for his courage and determination — qualities he now brings to Council.

Robbie Dare

Councillor

  • Phone0427 461 291
  • Alternate Phone07 4746 1600
  • Email Rob.Dare@Diamantina.qld.gov.au
  • ProfileCouncillor Robbie Dare brings decades of experience in local government, infrastructure, and regional industry to his role on Council. Born in Charleville and raised in Windorah, Robbie has a long history with the Diamantina Shire, having served in several Council roles before becoming Mayor from 2004–2012 and again from 2020–2024.

Councillor Conduct Register

In accordance with Section 150DX of the Local Government Act 2009, Council is required to keep a register of complaints made against Councillors. The is available online and is also available for public inspection at Council’s Bedourie Administration Centre. If you wish to inspect the register, please contact the Governance Manager on 4746 1600.

Councillor Conduct Register(PDF, 176KB)

Complaints about inappropriate conduct, material personal interests or conflicts of interests of Councillors may be made pursuant to the Local Government Act 2009.  To lodge a complaint about a Councillor, please refer to the Councillor Complaints Investigation Policy(PDF, 531KB).

 

Councillor Code of Conduct

Council is committed to being open, accountable and ethical.  Councillor's conduct and performance must comply with the Local Government Act 2009 and the Code of Conduct for Councillors in Queensland.

The local government principles outlined in the Act are:

  • transparent and effective processes
  • decision making in the public interest
  • sustainable development and management of assets and infrastructure
  • delivery of effective services
  • democratic representation
  • social inclusion and meaningful community engagement
  • ethical and legal behaviour of councillors and employees.

 

Councillors' Discretionary Funds

This notice is issued pursuant to Section 201B of the Local Government Regulation 2012.

The Mayor and Councillors of Diamantina Shire Council have not been allocated Councillor Discretionary Funds from the 2025/2026 Budget.

 

Councillors' Conflict of Interest Registers

Councillors are required to manage their conflicts of interest to ensure transparency and integrity in decision-making.  The Local Government Act 2009 outlines the responsibilities of councillors regarding conflicts of interest, including the requirement to disclose interests at meetings and to comply with decisions made by other councillors regarding their participation.  The Act also provides for penalties for non-compliance with these requirements.

 Prescribed and Declarable Conflict of Interest Register(PDF, 82KB)