By-election called for Woorabinda after Councillor Joel Cameron resigns

Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire residents will head to the polls next month after a councillor resigned. Nominations for his replacement close in nine days.

Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire residents will head to the polls next month to vote for a new councillor following the resignation of Cr Joel Cameron.

The Woorabinda community will head to the polls next month to elect a new councillor.

A by-election was called on Friday after Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire councillor Joel Cameron handed in his resignation last.

Because Mr Cameron’s resignation happened in the middle of the term, the Local Government Act requires a by-election to be held.

Queensland Electoral Commissioner Pat Vidgen said nominations for a new councillor would close at noon on Monday, February 13 and a by-election would be held on Saturday, March 4.

“There are several important steps which must be undertaken, so I urge anyone interested to do this as soon as possible,” he said.

Cr Joel Cameron resigned in January with immediate effect.

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

Woorabinda residents are also being reminded to check they are correctly enrolled to vote and to enrol if they are voting for the first time.

“If you have changed your address or are enrolling for the first time you must do this by 5pm on Thursday February 9 to vote in this by-election,” Mr Vidgen said.

“This is an important step to ensure your voice will be heard on election day.”

To enrol to vote, check your enrolment or update your details, visit the Australian Electoral Commission website.

To keep up to date with the by-election or to find out more information visit the ECQ website or phone [phone].