Councillor was ‘real character’
PETER Webber spent just three years in local politics but he left behind a legacy and fond memories for friends and colleagues.
Mr Webber died late last month at the age of 71 following a short period of ill health.
While his stint in political life was brief, it was one of a number of careers he tried his hand at, including many years as a psychologist.
Mr Webber served in the army during the Vietnam War and later worked as a management consultant.
In March 1985 he was elected to the Gold Coast City Council, representing Ward 3 which took in Southport.
Former mayor Lex Bell, who was also elected in 1985, attended Mr Webber’s funeral along with another former alderman, Lester Hughes.
Mr Bell remembered Mr Webber as a “character’’.
“I was sad to see him go. He had a lot of enthusiasm over the years and a very fertile brain which was full of so many different ideas,” he said.
“Peter had a very different personality but he lived a wonderful life.”
Former deputy mayor Betty Diamond sad she was saddened to learn of Mr Webber’s death.
During his single term in office, Mr Webber had been a critic of plans to redevelop The Spit and took a strong interest in the wellbeing of council staff, funding a study into city hall’s morale and structure.
In the lead-up to the Fitzgerald Inquiry he also tackled the controversial topic of prostitution.
In 1988 he was defeated in his bid for re-election by future Southport state MP Peter Lawlor.
Former mayor Denis Pie paid tribute to Mr Webber in a rare public statement.
“Peter was a real character and had a great life,” he said.
“He was a great bloke.’’