Former mayor Mick Curran elected to Gympie council in 2024

The eagerly expected end to the fight between Mick Curran and Bruce Devereaux has finally arrived, with preferences the deciding factor.

The closely watched fight between Bruce Devereaux (left) and Mick Curran for the Division 4 seat has come to a head, with preferences deciding Mr Curran as the final winner of the battle.

Former Gympie mayor Mick Curran has been returned to Gympie Regional Council after winning the Division 4 seat from incumbent Bruce Devereaux in a closely fought battle.

Mr Curran was declared the winner Tuesday afternoon, following a recount and official distribution of preferences.

He took the seat by a 124 vote margin over Mr Devereaux after preferences, which ultimately gave him 52 per cent support compared to 48 per cent for Mr Devereaux.

The seat had been the most hotly contested of the election, with a field of five candidates including Rae Gate, Michael Torrens and Wayne Boyd vying for job.

Mr Curran was unseated as mayor in 2020, when the council’s top elected role was won by returning Mayor Glen Hartwig.

Mr Devereaux was elected to the council the same year.

In a statement to The Gympie Times, he wished Mr Curran luck on his election.

“I wish to congratulate Mick Curran on his successful bid to secure the support of residents of our Division 4,” Mr Devereaux said.

“I’d also like to thank our community for giving me the opportunity to represent them these four years.

“It’s certainly been an interesting job and one I look forward to taking up again in 2028 following what will be my glorious and inevitable comeback.

“Best of luck, Mick.”