CLONCURRY’S returning officer is counting the postal votes but it seems like Greg Campbell will be the shire’s mayor.
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Mr Campbell is 30 votes ahead of Keith Douglas with a vote count of 287, according to results shown on the Electoral Commission Queensland website on Monday afternoon.
Mr Douglas is on 257 votes, Jane McMillan is on 227, Andrew Tonkin is on 212, and John Green is on 78.
Mr Campbell said he felt confident about the result but that it was “too early and too close to call just yet”.
“There’s been a couple of re-counts since Saturday morning. Until all the postal votes are all in and counted we’ll just have to wait and see,” Mr Campbell said.
“It will be interesting to see how the preference plays out.”
Mayoral candidate John Green believed Mr Campbell was going to be the mayor although was not quite sure how the new preferential system will change things.
“If first past the post, Greg Campbell will be mayor. I’m not going to be mayor.
“At the end of the day that’s democracy, the people have spoken, I’m good for it, I’m happy Greg Campbell is mayor.
“I don’t think obviously they (voters) want irrigation and a dam. There’s families to compete against so it’s hard work.”
Mr Douglas said he still waited for the results and wasn’t calling defeat.
“It’s just a matter of waiting until the process is finished basically, it’s wait until the count’s finished.
“Wait until the process is finished and then we’ll have a look at the result.”
“It’s exciting times. Whatever happens I will still be serving the Cloncurry community in some form or shape.
“We’ve always done that and we always will, it’s in our DNA to enhance Cloncurry and to continue the passion the have for the town because it’s been so good for the family.”
Mr Douglas hoped that the new council representatives will remember they were there to represent the shire’s people.
