ECQ sets December 3 for Division 2 Whitsunday council by-election
Residents across the Whitsundays will return again to the polls to finally settle the make-up of the Whitsunday council following former councillor Al Grundy’s resignation. Here’s what you need to know.
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Residents across the Whitsundays will return to the polls once more to finally settle the make-up of Whitsunday Regional Council.
The Division 2 by-election date is set for December 3 and ECQ commissioner Pat Vidgen said the ballot would be in-person rather than a full postal vote.
“If you can’t make it on polling day, there will be one week of early voting and postal voting available,” he said.
“For people who meet the eligibility criteria, like those who have tested positive to Covid and anyone interstate or overseas, telephone voting is also an option.”
The by-election, triggered by the resignation of former councillor Al Grundy, started on November 4 and nominations for the position are now open.
“Nominations close on November 14 and there are several important steps which must be undertaken, so I urge anyone interested to do this as soon as possible,” Mr Vidgen said.
Whitsunday council is led by a mayor and six councillors.
The by-election will end the churn that has convulsed the council in recent months.
The council was first up-ended when former mayor Andrew Willcox resigned to run for the federal seat of Dawson.
His victory in the May election triggered a by-election for his replacement.
Failed federal One Nation Dawson candidate Julie Hall pulled off a shock win in the mayoral contest in late August, beating out Councillor Mike Brunker on preferences to take out the top position.
In September, Mr Grundy took on the role of Mackay Isaac Tourism CEO.
The winner in December will fit his seat.
Postal vote applications opened on November 4 and close at 7pm on November 21.
Early voting starts at 9am on November 28 and finishes at 6pm on December 2.
The early voting booth is located at Shop 15, Whitsundays Shopping Centre, 226 Shute Harbour Road, Cannonvale.
On election day there will be a polling booth located at Whitsunday Christian College in Cannonvale.
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