More than 1400 put their hands up to become “champions of their community”
Nominations to be a Queensland Mayor or councillor will close in three days with 1400 candidates ready for the March polls.
LGAQ Chief Executive Officer Alison Smith says more than 1400 local election nominees will become champions of their communities. (photo supplied)
The deadline to nominate for the positions of a Queensland mayor or local government councillor is looming with more than 1400 candidates contesting at the March 16 polls.
The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) said in a statement rolls close on Tuesday with 231 mayoral candidates nominating for 77 positions and 1191 candidates contesting 501 vacancies for councillor.
Eighteen Mayors, including Sunshine Coast Council Mark Jamieson and Western Downs Council’s Paul McVeigh, have chosen not to re-contest their position, opting to step down or retire at the 2024 local government elections
LGAQ chief executive office Alison Smith said there was no greater champions than local councils as they were the level of government closest to their community.
Local representatives were crucial to community liveability, she 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,’’ Ms Smith said.
Thirteen current Mayors will be returned to office unopposed as will 45 councillors with the closure of nominations, the LGAQ said.
Two councillors emerging from their 2020 to 2024 terms will elected mayor unopposed in the Diamatina Shire Council and Isaac Regional Council, the LGAQ said.
