ECQ declares 2024 Cairns Regional Council, Douglas Shire election results
Two-thirds of the new Cairns Regional Council has been declared as well as all results in the Douglas Shire. Here’s who came out on top.
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Two-thirds of the new Cairns Regional Council has been revealed almost two weeks on from polls closing.
The Electoral Commission of Queensland has also confirmed the four councillors and new mayor elected to lead the Douglas Shire through its next term.
Independent candidate Anna Middleton has been declared triumphant in Cairns’ Division 7 race, beating Unity’s Matthew Calanna by just 154 primary votes.
She becomes the first new face in Cairns Regional Council with five other councillors re-elected so far.
Division 6 councillor Kristy Vallely held on to her position with 39 per cent of votes – about 13 per cent more than Team Eden’s Shane Trimby, who came in second.
“I can’t begin to describe how happy and grateful I am for your continued faith in me,” she said on social media.
“This smile won’t leave my face for some time.”
Her Unity colleague Rhonda Coghlan regained her Division 8 spot while the team’s Division 1 councillor Brett Moller was re-elected uncontested.
Votes are still being tallied however Unity’s Division 4 candidate Jeremy Neal is ahead of his contenders, indicating the new council will have four Unity elects.
Independent candidate Matthew Tickner is in a very strong position to take Division 2 with about 31 per cent of votes.
Former Division 2 councillor Rob Pyne’s decision to run for Division 5 this election appears to have paid off, with the long-time politician ahead in that race.
While mayoral frontrunner Amy Eden is still waiting for her win to be confirmed in black and white, the Douglas Shire has welcomed its new mayor.
Former deputy mayor Lisa Scomazzon has been elected to the top job after Michael Kerr’s departure from council.
She said she was looking forward to working with the shire’s four councillors, two of which were re-elected.
“I believe we have the right mix of councillors for the upcoming four-year term,” Ms Scomazzon said.
“Councillors (Abigail) Noli and (Roy) Zammataro have demonstrated their commitment to the community over many years and bring valuable local government experience to the team.
“Councillors (Damian) Meadows and (Michael) Rees might be newcomers to council but they are already well-respected members of the shire.”
Mr Meadows is a police senior sergeant while Mr Rees is a local business owner.
The new Douglas Shire Council is set to be sworn in on April 9.
Results in the Mareeba Shire and Cassowary Coast councils have also been declared.
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