Transparency, gender factors in early voters’ decisions as polls open in Bundaberg

Bundaberg is on track to break early voting records for the region after a massive turnout on day one of pre-polling, where an early lead had already emerged in the crucial mayoral contest.

Officials predicted a record turnout for early voting on the first day of polling in Bundaberg.

Electoral officials said Bundaberg looked set to break early voting records judging from the strong turnout on the first day of pre-polling at the Bundaberg Civic Centre on Monday.

After initially snaking out into the car park, as the sun beat down from its midday peak Queensland Electoral Commission officials reorganised the line of early voters to take better advantage of the shade under the Civic Centre awning.

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Bundaberg returning officer John Kelly said early indications from polling places across the region were that more voters were taking the opportunity to cast their vote early than ever before.

Officials predicted a record turnout for early voting on the first day of polling in Bundaberg.

“We had 30,000 through pre-polling last time, we’re on track to beat it this year,” Mr Kelly said.

“There’s no excuse, you don’t need a reason like with federal and state elections.”

An exit poll of 50 voters revealed Helen Blackburn as the favourite over incumbent Jack Dempsey, with 58 per cent saying they had voted for Ms Blackburn while the remainder (42 per cent) voted for Mr Dempsey.

None of the voters surveyed said they had cast their vote for the third mayoral candidate, Levi Horvath.

In line with the NewsMail poll showing council transparency was the most pressing issue for voters, many of those who voted for Ms Blackburn did so out of a need for greater transparency in how ratepayers’ funds were being spent.

“We need change, openness and transparency,” said Audrey-May Thomson of North Bundaberg.

“Let’s be honest about where my money is going.”

Avoca resident Brian Harling said perceived over-spending on large projects such as the Bundaberg Aquatic Centre led to him voting for Ms Blackburn.

“I reckon he’s sent us more into debt, we need change,” Mr Harling said.

“I hope Blackburn gets in.”

Avoca resident Brian Harling said council spending on large projects led him to vote for the alternative candidate in Helen Blackburn.

Gender played on the minds of some voters, who were hoping to see Bundaberg have its first female mayor since the inaugural mayor of the amalgamated council, Lorraine Pyefinch.

“Give the girls a go,” said Littabella resident John Strickfuss, who voted for Division 3 candidate Deb Keslake along with Ms Blackburn in the mayoral ballot.

Cathy Woodbridge from Avondale simply said “woman power!”, when asked why she had voted for Ms Blackburn, while Bargara resident Natalie Blackman said “she’s a woman, and I don’t know anyone else”.

Supporters of Mr Dempsey said the incumbent mayor’s track record was in his favour, with some doubting Ms Blackburn would be able follow through on promises to bring back the 10 per cent early rates payment discount.

“We like what (Mr Dempsey’s) been doing; he’s been doing the best he can with the tools he’s got,” said Woodgate resident Steve Smith.

“You can promise anything you want, but you have to deliver.”

Kepnock residents Pat and Jim Roberts said Mr Dempsey “does a good job”, but they were hoping for more if he ends up being re-elected for a third term.

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“We don’t want any change, but we just want him to push a bit more,” said Ms Roberts.

And at least one informal vote was cast on the first day of pre-polling.

“I didn’t vote for any of them, they’re all bloody useless,” said one gentleman aged in his 70s, who declined to give his name.