Nanango’s Jane Erkens ‘optimistic’ as Race for Division 1 reveals clear trend

As results roll in to determine the South Burnett’s new Division 1 councillor, a clear frontrunner is posed to join the council. But she is wary to claim victory just yet.

After a long and arduous campaign, frontrunner Jane Erkens is expected to take out the race to determine the South Burnett Regional Council’s new Division 1 councillor, but she is wary to claim victory just yet.

Nanango real estate agent said she’s “optimistic” she’ll be representing her hometown and surrounds as the South Burnett Regional Council’s next division 1 councillor, however she’s reluctant to jump the gun given how contentious the election has been on social media.

“I believe some people took issue my stance on a number of things, including the fact that I really promoted and encouraged my community to get vaccinated,” Mrs Erkens said.

“The anti-vax campaign worked extremely hard and they really made Nanango look like something it’s not.

“It’s a really great and supportive community, which I think is reflected in the vote.”

Mrs Erkens has already secured 1226, or 45 per cent, of formal votes as of Sunday night, ahead of Levi Madeley on 624.

Rebecca Jackson currently holds 466, or 17 per cent of the vote, followed by Tony Edwards on 393.

Nanango real estate agent Jane Erkens. Picture: Dominic Elsome

This result refers to the unofficial preliminary count and preferences are yet to be distributed, however Mrs Erkens has already secured an almost certain victory.

No further votes will be counted until after the Labour Day public holiday on Monday.

Mrs Erkens said the support she’d received at the polling booth had been very strong, but she was overwhelmed by the avalanche of support from people in Nanango and surrounding towns over the past couple of days.

“I have had hundreds of messages on Facebook, private messages and phone calls from people congratulating me,” she said.

Coming from a real estate background, Mrs Erkens said hopes to bring a different point of view into the council chambers and is particularly eager to fight for South Burnett residents looking down the barrel of rising living costs.

“Interest rates are going to go up I believe. The cost of living is going up,” she said.

“I don't believe that our community, which has a lot of age pensioners, can continually put their hand in their pocket for increased rates.”

In the past Mrs Erkens has been quite outspoken on council decisions and will continue to speak her mind while debating with the region’s fellow councillors.

The contentious election followed the resignation of former councillor Roz Frohloff who stepped down from the council in March, citing concerns with the current leadership and unwarranted personal abuse as key reasons.