North Burnett Mayoral by-election: candidate nominations now open

North Burnett residents can now nominate for the region’s top job in a bid to replace the outgoing mayor after her shock resignation.

North Burnett residents can now nominate for the region‘s top job. Picture: Sam Turner

Nominations are now open for the North Burnett mayoral by-election, with candidates to go in the running to replace outgoing Mayor Rachel Chambers following her sudden resignation.

Ms Chambers finished up her almost six years in the region’s top job on Saturday, after announcing in September that she would be stepping down.

North Burnett Regional Council CEO Rachel Cooper soon followed suit and will also leave her role this month.

Deputy Mayor Robbie Radel has temporarily stepped in as North Burnett Mayor.

The Electoral Commission of Queensland announced on Monday that the by-election to find a permanent replacement would run through December and January.

ECQ commissioner Pat Vidgen said candidate nominations were open from Monday and would close at noon on December 23.

“Under the Local Government Electoral Act 2011, there are several steps a candidate must take when nominating,” he said.

“Potential candidates need to make sure they are eligible to nominate, complete free mandatory online training through the Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning website, pay a $250 deposit, and open a dedicated campaign bank account.

“A full list of requirements is on the ECQ website on the Election Participants page.”

Mr Vidgen said the by-election would be a full postal ballot, as requested by the council and approved by Deputy Premier and Minister for Local Government Steven Miles.

“Ballot materials will be printed and dispatched to the region’s around 7000 electors, following the close of nominations and ballot paper order draw on December 23,” he said.

“I ask electors to complete their vote as soon as possible, make sure it goes into the declaration envelope and seal it, sign, have it witnessed, put this in the Reply-Paid envelope, and mail it straight away to ensure it arrives to be included in the count before the deadline of February 1.

“All voting must be completed before 6pm on Saturday January 22, and voting is compulsory.”

Mr Vidgen said residents needed to be listed on the electoral roll at their current address to ensure ballot papers would be correctly delivered, and encouraged all voters to double-check their enrolment.

“Updates to the electoral roll for this by-election close on December 20, so now is a perfect time for North Burnett electors to check or update their enrolment at aec.gov.au.,” he said.

Election timetable:

• December 13: notice of election and opening of candidate nominations
• December 20: electoral roll closes
• December 23, midday: candidate nominations close
• December 23, 2.30pm: ballot paper order is drawn
• January 22: election day\February 1: deadline for postal votes