Costly Mareeba Shire by-election picks runner-up Mladen Bosnic

After a councillor’s death in January, his runner-up from the previous election was not offered the role on Mareeba Shire Council. Now, he’s been voted in anyway in a by-election.

Mareeba Shire Councillors 2025. Image: Supplied

When a Mareeba Shire councillor died in January, it was widely-expected his runner-up from the election would take on the job.

Mareeba man Mladen Bosnic was not offered the role after Kevin Davies’ death, but has now been voted in anyway following a by-election, which many residents have labelled “costly”.

The council held a special meeting in February to determine an appropriate course of action, following Mr Davies’ death.

As the vacancy occurred within a year of the last election, the Local Government Act 2009 required the council to decide whether a by-election should be held, or offer the vacancy to the runner-up

Mr Bosnic, who narrowly missed out on becoming a councillor in March 2024, previously said while the council had adhered to the Act, the decision was disappointing.

Mareeba Shire councillor Mladen Bosnic is signed in, 2025. Image: Supplied

In February Mr Bosnic criticised the decision to go back to the polls, declaring the councillors’ arguments didn’t “pass the pub test”.

Mr Bosnic said while there had been a long wait before he could step into the role, he understood due process had to be taken and he was ready to give his all.

“This is not my first crack at becoming a councillor and I’m eager and ready to get to work,” he said.

“Once I am onboard I’ll be brought up to date and we will be able to plan how we move forward

The by-election for Division 1 was held by postal vote on April 5 with Mr Bosnic declared the winner with 38.91 (4090) per cent of the vote on Wednesday, April 16.

He narrowly beat out Alan Pederson who received 3938 votes, 37.46 per cent.

Mr Bosnic said it was a tight result.

Former Australian Federal Police officer Mladen ‘Boz’ Bosnic. PHOTO: Peter Roy Photography

“I feel humbled by it, it was closely contested,” he said.

“I’d like top thank all the candidates who put their hand forward and I look forward to representing the residents of Mareeba and advocating for them.”

Mareeba Shire Mayor Angela Toppin extended her congratulations to Cr Bosnic on behalf of the Council and the wider Mareeba Shire community.

“Sincere congratulations to Cr Mladen on being elected as a Councillor for Mareeba Shire Council. We look forward to working together to serve the community,” said Mayor Toppin.

Originally published as Costly Mareeba Shire by-election picks runner-up Mladen Bosnic