South Burnett 2022 by-election: Tallying of votes begins for new division 1 councillor

Polls have closed and the counting of ballots is underway to determine who will join the South Burnett Regional Council as the Division 1 councillor. Here’s what initial results tell us:

Results are beginning to roll in as counting gets underway to determine the new Division 1 councillor for the South Burnett, with a clear trend already emerging.

An hour and a half after the polls closed and one candidate has taken a commanding lead in the race.

As of 7.30pm, 2638 formal votes have been counted, representing about 97 per cent of total enrolled voters in the region.

Jane Erkens is leading strongly in the race, with 1191 votes, or 45.15 per cent.

In second is Levi Madeley on 612, followed by Rebecca Jackson with 452 votes and Tony Edwards on 382.

This result refers only to the unofficial preliminary count, and preferences are yet to be distributed - but with a commanding lead for Ms Erkens it looks tough for another candidate to claim victory.

The four candidates put up their hands to replace 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.

Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington said Cr Frohloff’s resignation was a major loss for Nanango and the entire region.

The prospective division 1 councillor will represent the interests of residents living across Nanango, Booie, Wattle Camp, Johnstown, Wyalla, Sandy Ridges, Runnymede, Bullcamp, East Nanango, Glan Devon, Barker Creek Flat, Hodgleigh, Kunioon, and Brooklands.