North Burnett Mayoral election candidates announced

The candidates for North Burnett mayor have been announced ahead of the postal ballot, with three sitting councillors throwing their hats in the ring. SEE ALL THE CANDIDATES HERE

The candidates vying to become the North Burnett’s next Mayor have been announced.

With the voters set to receive their ballots in the coming weeks ahead of the January by-election, the five candidates have been revealed.

Three sitting councillors - Melinda Jones, Les Hotz and Susan Payne - have all thrown their hats in the ring to succeed former Mayor Rachel Chambers, who resigned earlier this year.

Sitting North Burnett councillors Melinda Jones, Les Hotz and Susan Payne have nominated to contest the by-election.

Former councillor John Bowen, who served as a councillor from 2012 to 2020, has also nominated.

The final candidate is Biggenden Chamber of Commerce president, Kevin Edwards.

Commissioner Pat Vidgen said the region’s 7,200 electors will vote using a full postal ballot during January 2022.

“Ballot materials are printed following the close of nominations and ballot paper order draw today and will be distributed to electors by Australia Post in early January,” Mr Vidgen said.

A full postal ballot means there are no polling booths or early voting centres. The only method of voting for North Burnett electors is by postal vote.

North Burnett mayoral candidate and former councillor John Bowen.

The ballot will use optional preferential voting meaning electors can number one, some, or all the boxes on their ballot paper in their order of preference.

“The postal vote return deadline is Tuesday, February 1, so I ask electors to complete the voting process as soon as possible after they receive their ballot to ensure their vote is included in the count,” he said.

“There are a few steps to follow: detach your ballot paper from the declaration envelope, complete the ballot paper (there are instructions at the top of the ballot paper), insert your completed ballot paper inside the declaration envelope, seal it, sign it, and have it witnessed.

“Then put declaration envelope inside the reply-paid envelope and mail it straight away. If these steps are not completed, your vote is unlikely to be able to be counted.”

Biggenden Chamber of Commerce president and mayoral candidate Kevin Edwards. Picture: Sam Turner

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

Mr Vidgen said electors who haven’t received their ballot materials by January 12 should call the ECQ to arrange for a reissue on 1300 881 665.

Alternatively, electors can go to the returning officer in Gayndah for replacement ballot material between 8am and 6pm on election day, Saturday 22 January. They can even complete their postal ballot on the spot then if they like and leave it with the returning officer.