Likely dynamic to lead Townsville in new council term

The 23 candidates contesting for a seat at the table within Townsville City Council for the next four years have been under huge pressure, now it’s crunch time. PLUS: See who is tipped to be voted in.

Chris Burns

@bews_hound

3 min read

March 16, 2024 - 5:00AM

Townsville Bulletin

Mayoral debate at the The Ville. Mayoral candidates Harry Patel, incumbent Jenny Hill, and Troy Thompson. Picture: Evan Morgan

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The 23 candidates contesting for a seat at the table within Townsville City Council for the next four years have been under huge pressure, campaigning long hours since pre-polling began two weeks ago.

It is not much of a question as to who will win, but by how much Team Jenny Hill will dominate at the polling booth and within the council chamber for the next four years.

Voters are either concerned about state issues, or are indifferent to council politics as long as their services are uninterrupted and their divisional concerns are heard.

Incumbent mayor Jenny Hill said her team had run a strong campaign and that feedback she was getting from voters was that they supported the strong plan for the city.

“My team are the only group that has released a strong set of policies, all built around goals that resonate with the people of Townsville,” she said.

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill and Team Jenny Hill members Ben Fusco, Shari Fabbro and Rachael Armstrong at the Townsville Cruise Terminal. Picture: Evan Morgan

“Now is not the time to risk putting in ‘lame duck’ candidates who claim to be independent but form coalitions of convenience during an election.

“We have a strong plan for the city, and we have a team that looks forward to delivering on that strong plan.”

Ms Hill had been vocal on state issues the community care about, such as crime and housing, was active with ex-TC Kirrily’s clean-up, and has a clear plan to strengthen the city’s economic position through big projects such as the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct.

Mayoral candidate Troy Thompson attends a meet the candidates breakfast function. Picture: Evan Morgan

She also has a team of incumbent councillors endorsing her management, and independent candidate Troy Thompson’s call for change and more emphasis on maintenance in the suburbs is unlikely to impact the amount of voters he needs to compete against the well-oiled machine that is Team Jenny Hill, where as third option Harry Patel did not have relevant council policies.

The first 100 days of the new council once it is sworn in depends on the mayor who is voted in.

Ms Hill would focus on the 2024-25 budget and continue the large projects she had advocated, and re-establish her authority within a familiar dynamic, while Mr Thompson and Mr Patel would be expected to take the time to familiarise themselves with the executive team, look at how they could put their brand on basic services such as water and road repairs, while cementing their new position within the status quo.

Mayoral candidate Harry Patel debates at a function at The Ville. Picture: Evan Morgan

If there was a shock at the polls and Mr Thompson or Mr Patel were be elected they are likely to be working against at least seven candidates who campaigned for Team Jenny Hill.

Mr Thompson was unable to be reached before deadline, but Mr Patel disagreed with that analysis, believing there would be a swing in favour of independents.

“I don’t think she’ll (Jenny) get the team that she wants, she will have to work with independents,” he said.

Division 2 candidate Brodie Phillips. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Two divisions are a free-for-all with the absence of established councillors recontesting.

In Division 2 outgoing councillor Sue Blom has endorsed independent Brodie Phillips to her followers, which could give him the advantage he needs running against Team Jenny Hill candidate Shari Fabbro and Change’s Jai Philpots.

While Jenny Hill’s liveability plan emphasises the importance of Northern Beaches inclusion in Townsville’s growth, Ms Blom has a strong following and Mr Phillips is a strong and active communicator.

Another independent has a strong chance with Division 10 left open after Fran O’Callaghan dropped out of the mayoral race.

Cungulla residents prepare for Cyclone Kirrily. Division 10 candidate Brady Ellis with Division 10 Cr Ben Fusco with sandbags at the the community hall. Picture: Evan Morgan

Brady Ellis runs against independent Kate Annetts and Team Jenny Hill’s Ben Fusco, and presents himself well as an active family man with clear business and economic views.

But it would be also worth looking at Division 1, in which Change leader and former councillor Paul Jacob challenges the incumbent Margie Ryder.

Margie Ryder visits the Bluewater Community Centre in the aftermath of ex-TC Kirrily. Picture: Evan Morgan

Ms Ryder will retain her seat if she has been able to demonstrate the division has been heard and represented throughout the term, which will not be easy for those far off communities such as Paluma and Bluewater, but Mr Jacob does offer experience independent from the current establishment.

PREDCTIONS: Who will win in every division

The Townsville Bulletin has made a call on who it believes will be elected to council after the local government elections. Our politics team made the decision based on the election race, data and community sentiment. The faces below are who we predict will lead Townsville for the next four years.