More than 1,400 candidates have put their hands up to champion their communities, nominating to stand for mayor or councillor at the March 16 council elections.
Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) Chief Executive Officer Alison Smith said council was the level of government closest to the community and local representatives were critical to community liveability.
Rolls closed on Tuesday with 231 mayoral candidates nominating for 77 positions, and another 1,191 candidates contesting 501 vacancies for councillor.
“There are no greater community champions than local councils,” Ms Smith said.
“Councils play a critical role in their communities – from providing services to advocating to the other levels of government for fairer funding and better services.”
Following the close of nominations, 13 current mayors will be returned to office unopposed, as will 45 councillors.
A further two new mayors are to be elected unopposed, both of whom were councillors in the 2020-2024 term, in Diamantina Shire Council’s Francis Murray and Isaac Regional Council’s Kelly Vea Vea.
A total of 19 mayors will step down or retire at the 2024 local government elections, choosing not to re-contest their positions, although current Diamantina Shire Mayor, Robbie Dare, will contest a councillor position.
Key facts and figures ahead of this election
Mayors returning unopposed:
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Samantha O'Toole, Balonne Shire Council
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Nev Ferrier, Banana Shire Council
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Rick Britton, Boulia Shire Council
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Ernie Camp, Burke Shire Council
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Barry Hughes, Etheridge Shire Council
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Matt Burnett, Gladstone Regional Council
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Lawrence Springborg, Goondiwindi Regional Council
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Raymon Jayo, Hinchinbrook Shire Council
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Tony Rayner, Longreach Regional Council
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Angela Toppin, Mareeba Shire Council
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Peter Flannery, Moreton Bay City Council
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Shaun (Zoro) Radnedge, Murweh Shire Council
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John Wharton, Richmond Shire Council
New mayors elected unopposed:
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Francis Murray, Diamantina Shire Council
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Kelly Vea Vea, Isaac Regional Council
Mayors not seeking re-election:
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Sean Dillon, Barcaldine Regional Council
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Peter Scott, Cook Shire Council
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Robbie Dare, Diamantina Shire Council
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Michael Kerr, Douglas Shire Council
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Anne Baker, Isaac Regional Council
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Darren Power, Logan City Council
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Aileen Addo, Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council
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Philip Curr, McKinlay Shire Council
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Clare Stewart, Noosa Shire Council
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Mislam Sam, Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council
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Richard Tarpencha, Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council
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Stuart Mackenzie, Quilpie Shire Council
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Karen Williams, Redland City Council
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Graeme Lehmann, Somerset Regional Council
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Brett Otto, South Burnett Regional Council
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Mark Jamieson, Sunshine Coast Council
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Paul McVeigh, Western Downs Regional Council
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Julie Hall, Whitsunday Regional Council
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Joshua Weazel, Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council
For more information, please contact:
Dan Knowles, Media Advisor