Qld mayor honoured amid watchdog probe

Lockyer Valley Mayor Steve Jones, who guided his community through Queensland's deadly 2011 floods, has been remembered as a straight-talking leader who valued the truth.

It's perhaps no surprise then that his friend, radio shock jock Alan Jones, used a speech at the 55-year-old's funeral in Gatton on Friday to directly address allegations his council had been caught up in corrupt activity.

While the service, attended by about 1000 mourners, was positive and remembered a man who loved his family and community, a Crime and Corruption Commission investigation into his council cast a shadow over proceedings.

The watchdog is investigating claims of corruption within the Lockyer Valley Regional Council over a historic land swap to move residents of flood-hit Grantham to higher ground.

Jones insisted an article in The Australian newspaper on Thursday detailing the allegations was nothing more than character assassination.

"I must, here today, defend the reputation of my friend or I should not be here," he told the crowd.

"This story was a deliberate attempt - front page, big headline - to besmirch the reputation of this splendid Australian.

"Steve Jones was ethical, decent and honourable."

He said none of the allegations were substantiated and they wouldn't be.

The broadcaster was one of several people, including family and former Governor-General Dame Quentin Bryce, who offered tributes.

All touched on Mr Jones' leadership during and after the deadly 2011 floods that devastated his region, particularly his efforts to relocate the hard-hit Grantham township.

But they also spoke of an Aussie bush larrikin who loved his community, was a straight talker and valued the truth.

Jamie Simmonds, the project director who headed the Grantham relocation task, helped replace mourners' tears with laughter when he recounted Mr Jones' crass humour.

"I'm also going to miss him because today the world is just a little bit less colourful than it was last week," Mr Simmonds said.

Mr Jones' daughter-in-law Stacey said his dedication to his community meant his family missed out on valuable time with him, but it was worth it for the "greater good".

Nevertheless, she listed his most successful job as being "Poppy" to his granddaughter Avery.

"In no other role has Steve shone as brightly," she sobbed.

"Avery loved her Poppy and it was natural to have Steve chasing her around the house when you could tell that he was beyond tired, but he wouldn't stop because it made his little girl happy."

A range of politicians and dignitaries, including Queensland Governor Paul de Jersey and Deputy Premier Jackie Trad, attended.

Mr Jones' death, after his collapse during a meeting with other mayors, has prompted the Lockyer Valley Regional Council elections to be delayed until April 16.