Central HIghlands councillor Joseph Burns was born and raised in Emerald, has been a lifelong resident of the Central Highlands.
The youngest child of Mike and Ros Burns, Joseph has five sisters.
Educated at St Patricks Primary School then Emerald State High School, Joseph went on to study for a Bachelor of Laws Degree while working as an operator in the mining Industry.
Joseph currently works at Curragh Mine in Blackwater, overseeing the Bulk Dozer Push operations and lives in Emerald with his wife Monica and their six-year-old daughter.
In 2020, believing in a need for younger representation, Joseph nominated and was elected on to the Central Highlands council becoming the youngest, and only millennial, currently serving on the council.
Although deciding that a career in law was not for him, this past knowledge and experience has proven valuable in serving the Central Highlands.
Within council Joseph serves his region on the Emerald Airport Advisory Committee, the Community Grants Committee, the Central Highlands Art and Culture Committee, the ICT Steering Committee, and is chair of the Emerald Saleyards Coordination Committee.
Believing in individual sovereignty and rights, Joseph received criticism, speaking out against mandatory vaccinations and infringement of freedoms during the Covid years.
Spending his whole life in the region, Joseph has always been involved with community organisations and local sporting clubs.
This combined with over 21 years experience in both the agriculture and mining sectors, Joseph knows and understands the region and its issues well.
Although achieving what he could while on council, there is still unfinished business.
His wish list includes improved water security and drought proofing for the region, a motor sports facility to serve the large number of enthusiasts, a return of the Fairbairn Dam recreational area, advocating for a industry and agriculture robotics research and development centre, and pushing for increased recognition and funding from the State Government more commensurate to our royalty contribution.
While serving as councillor Joseph continues to use three guiding principles of honesty, competency, and compassion.
He has big hopes and plans for the Central Highlands and wants to continue serving the region he calls home.
