Prospective candidates have a little more than a week to nominate for the 2024 local government elections.
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Since nominations opened on Monday, January 29, almost 200 candidates have signed on to run for the positions of mayor and councillor in each of Queensland's 77 local government areas.
Nominations will not close until noon on Tuesday, February 13.
Electoral Commissioner Pat Vidgen said that it's pleasing to see so many people interested in representing their local communities and emphasised that there is still plenty of time to nominate.
"We have heard some reports that nominations for the elections have already closed, but this is not correct," he said.
"However, I encourage anyone interested in standing for election to get their nominations in as soon as possible before the nomination deadline."
The details of candidates who have nominated are being progressively added to the ECQ website as they are processed and finalised.
As of Monday, February 5, deputy mayor Phil Barwick and councillor Peta MacRae have put their names forward to contest the mayoralty in Mount Isa.
On Team MacRae for Mount Isa are, John Davis, Eryan Haddon, James Coghlan, Travis Crowther, Lisa Clancy, and John Doyle.
While Team Barwick are Mischa Grummitt, Emma Harman, Mark Cullen, Michelle Low Mow, William Blackley and Alan Duncan.
Despite announcing her intention to run in November, current mayor Danielle Slade is not listed on the ECQ's Local Government Elections website.
Prospective candidates can head to the ECQ website where they will find details about the tasks they need to complete to nominate for the elections.
These include:
- completing a mandatory online training course
- ensuring they are enrolled in the division or ward they plan to contest
- they have had at least six people enrolled within the same ward or district sign their nomination form
- paying a nomination deposit of $250 to the ECQ by cash, EFT or bank cheque before nominations close
- letting the ECQ know the details of the bank account they will be using for their campaign
- disclosing things like political memberships or if they have any existing contractual relationships or planning applications before council (this includes their close associates)
- making sure they are disclosing any money they spend on, or receive for, their election.
Electoral expenditure disclosures are publicly available and can be viewed via the ECQ's Electronic Disclosure System (EDS).
For tips on how to navigate the system, head to the ECQ website.
The local government elections will be held on Saturday, March 16.
Ben Carr
Starting out as a reporter in Lightning Ridge in 2005, I returned to journalism in 2023 after 15 years spent in event production and technical services. Passionate about community news, contact me on ben.carr@austcommunitymedia.com.au or ph: 0484 524 000
Starting out as a reporter in Lightning Ridge in 2005, I returned to journalism in 2023 after 15 years spent in event production and technical services. Passionate about community news, contact me on ben.carr@austcommunitymedia.com.au or ph: 0484 524 000
