One of the longest serving — and most colourful — councillors in Australia is retiring after nearly 30 years in local government.

Key points: Councillor Dawn Crichlow joined local government nearly 30 years ago campaigning for rates accountability

Councillor Dawn Crichlow joined local government nearly 30 years ago campaigning for rates accountability She was awarded an Order of Australia medal in 2006 for services to the community

She was awarded an Order of Australia medal in 2006 for services to the community Her favourite mayor, she says, was Lex Bell, and says the council now has "too much control at the top"

Dawn Crichlow has announced she will not contest the Gold Coast City Council elections that are due in March next year.

Councillor Crichlow, who was awarded an Order of Australia medal for her service to the community in 2006, said she wanted to do more as a volunteer for various groups.



The hardest year so far

The septuagenarian has served under five mayors including Lex Bell and Ray Stevens who became state MPs, and Olympic great Ron Clarke.

She said her favourite was Lex Bell — who remained a good friend.

Councillor Crichlow described this year, with Tom Tate at the helm, as her toughest year in local government.

"We've got too big and there is too much control at the top," Councillor Crichlow said.

"I am against so much that is going on at the moment.

"I am afraid that I am one of the small people who don't have the vote any more."

The councillor and the Mayor have clashed in recent years over issues including plans for a casino in her division of Southport.

Councillor Dawn Crichlow with junior councillors. ( Supplied: Councillor Dawn Crichlow )

Amalgamation a mistake

Councillor Crichlow described the amalgamation of the Gold Coast and Albert Shire Council into a super city in 1995 as a mistake.

"Albert Shire had no sewerage, no septic, no nothing," she said.

"For about 10 years we had to pour money into Albert Shire.

"That's what took the gloss a bit away from Surfers Paradise.

"We only finished doing sealed roads 10 years ago, so it was very tough.

"It was the wrong decision."

Retiring councillor Dawn Crichlow with her beloved dog, Princess Pookie. ( ABC Gold Coast: Damien Larkins )

Priorities

The Southport resident entered local government calling for accountability on rates expenditure and she was leaving a similar message for her successor.

"I don't want it where they are afraid to go to their local councillor and they are told to come online, show your grievances online, tell us what you want online. I want local government to stay local government", she said.

The former businesswoman has worked in areas as diverse as taxidermy, racehorse training, appaloosa and quarter horse breeding, floristry, hairdressing, and fashion.

She distils vodka and flavoured oils but gives her beloved dog, Princess Pookie, credit for that work.

"She makes the vodka with 24 carat gold, she makes the virgin olive oil with 24 carat gold," Councillor Crichlow said.

"She is now doing a Southport honey and she also does beer — Princess Pookie's pale ale."

Councillor Crichlow said she wanted to work as a volunteer with various community groups in Southport but said her beloved companion, Princess Pookie, would be taking it easy.

"She has just had an MRI and a CT scan. It showed nothing but the vet seems to think she has a bit of dementia, so we will both retire," she said.

But Councillor Crichlow wanted to maintain contact with her constituents.

"Just say hello to me in the street, that's all. I talk to everybody in the street," she said.