Greg Williamson confirms Mackay region by-election 2025 dates, Steve Jackson rules out running

Mackay’s mayor hopes the councillor candidates won’t have any ‘private agendas’ as the postal ballot to replace George Christensen saves ratepayers $230,000.

Mackay mayor Greg Williamson said he was hoping the successful candidate in the council by election would be passionate about the region. Photo: Fergus Gregg

A date has been set for the Mackay council by-election as the mayor hopes candidates to bring their passion for the region and not their “private agendas”.

The election to select a new councillor — replacing ex-MP George Christensen who resigned his position after one year — will close to nominations on July 24.

Soon after nominations are finalised, there will be a ballot drawing and ballots mailed to voters, who will have until 6pm on August 30 to return them.

It will be at least a week for the result to be known, with counting expected to finish by September 9.

The by-election will fill the vacancy former councillor George Christensen left. Picture: Heidi Petith

Early estimates for the by-election had the price pegged at $700,000, but Mackay mayor Greg Williamson said the latest quote given by the ECQ was $569,000.

“Thank goodness we didn’t elect to go for a full face-to-face ballot because the quote from them was $800,000,” Mr Williamson said.

Former Isaac mayor Anne Baker has announced her candidacy for the Mackay Regional Council by-election.

Mr Williamson was challenged for the position of Mackay mayor in the 2024 election by local businessman and former NRL star Steve Jackson.

When contacted about the by-election Mr Jackson said he would not be running.

Justin Englert, who was unsuccessful in the 2024 elections, will not be nominating either.

“I’ve made commitments to people and organisations that have shown me great support over the last 18 months and I don’t want to let them down by quitting on them now,” he wrote on Linkedin.

“I would have to quit what I’m doing to be able to devote myself full time to the position of Councilor, as I have done in the past.

“This is because a councillor position is a full time job.”

Former Isaac region mayor Anne Baker has nominated, and said she was “all in”.

At least two more candidates have publicly announced they are running: small business owners Dion Loader and Melissa Milton, who hails from Sarina.

Preferences will not be counted in this election and the result will be determined by the first past the post system.

Mr Williamson said he’d heard of a few people putting their hands up for the council seat so far, but would not comment.

“I’ve heard of a dozen, but until it’s done … who knows,” Mr Williamson.

When asked what sort of qualities council was looking for in a new councillor Mr Williamson said they wanted someone with passion for the region.

“Not someone who’s got private agendas,” Mr Williamson said.

“I’m just hoping that whoever wants to put up their hand has got the right agenda behind them and that agenda is the best we can possibly do … for the Mackay regional council footprint.”

Mr Williamson urged voters to update their postal details on the Electoral Commision of Queensland website.