Cairns Mayor Bob Manning will not run in 2024, but questions remain over whether he will go the distance

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning has made a major announcement about his political future – and the news will surprise some.

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning will not recontest his position at the next council election.

And with a local government election just 15 months away, questions have swirled around council chambers about whether he might not see out his full term.

The timing of his departure could mean the difference between a by-election or a council vote on choosing his successor.

When contacted by the Cairns Post, Cr Manning would not confirm whether or not he would stand down before the election.

“I don’t intend to contest the 2024 election,” Cr Manning said.

“My focus, every day, is to do the job I’ve been elected to do.

“People don’t want us to be talking about an election that is more than a year away.”

Cairns mayor Bob Manning has announced he will not run for the job again in 2024. Picture: Brendan Radke

If Cr Manning chose to resign in March – being within 12 months of the next election, or the final part of his term – it would trigger a mayoral appointment by council vote, according to Queensland’s Local Government Act 2009.

Former Cairns mayor Kevin Byrne called on Cr Manning to address the rumours surrounding his possible early departure.

“Every community has an expectation to choose the mayor,” Mr Byrne said.

“It’s unethical to run down the clock and resign in a 12 month period (prior to an election) to allow councillors to choose their mayor, rather than allow it to go to a community vote.

“It’s the pinnacle of public appointment; it’s an absolutely reasonable question for the community to ask.

Division 4 councillor and deputy mayor Terry James said he has aspirations to be Cairns’ mayor. Picture: Brendan Radke

“Bob has a lifetime record of achievement. There’s a lot of good commodities about him … his departure needs to be treated in an honourable and honest way.”

One obvious contender to succeed Cr Manning is Deputy Mayor Terry James, also a member of Cr Manning’s Unity Team, who confirmed he would consider a tilt at the top job.

“I’ve made that known,” Cr James said.

“A lot of people have aspirations. But, 18 months is a long time and things can change.”

Fellow Unity Team member and Division 1 councillor Brett Moller is another potential contender, who hasn’t ruled out the possibility of running for mayor.

“The mayor and councillors, as far as I am aware, are focused on the job at hand and doing what they were elected to do … the March 2024 election is well over 12 months away and there is much to be done before then,” Cr Moller said.

Division 1 councillor Brett Moller has not ruled out. Picture: Brendan Radke

Division 5 councillor Amy Eden, elected on the Unity Team ticket, is another possible challenger.

“It’s definitely something I’d consider at some point in time,” Cr Eden said.

Council CEO Mica Martin said the break-up of the long-successful Unity Team was a possibility, and the field of contenders was likely to be broad.

“There’s all sorts of rumours about who’s going to run next,” Ms Martin said.

“If Unity is to run as a team again, one (of them) would need to step forward.

“This won’t affect the day-to-day operations of the council and we will ensure we continue to deliver on the community’s expectations.”

Division 5 councillor Amy Eden said the job of Cairns’ mayor is one she would consider. Picture: supplied.

Division 7 councillor Max O’Halloran joined Cr Manning in announcing his retirement from council.

“It’s time to give someone else a go. I’ve served three terms and it’s been a privilege,” Cr O’Halloran said.

Division 2 councillor Rob Pyne also suggested his time on council could draw to a close, citing his involvement in a lengthy defamation case brought against him by retired LGAQ boss Greg Hallam.

“There may be a big judgment that’s ruled against me,” Cr Pyne said.

“Also, life’s not getting easier while getting older in a wheelchair.”

Originally published as Cairns Mayor Bob Manning will not run in 2024, but questions remain over whether he will go the distance