The Cairns councillor who could challenge Curtis Pitt for Mulgrave
A major shake up is looming in the Far North seat of Mulgrave ahead of October’s state election with a shock contender emerging as part of the LNP’s plot to beat a Labor Party stalwart.
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A major shake up is looming in the Far North seat of Mulgrave with a shock contender emerging as part of the LNP’s plot to beat a Labor Party stalwart ahead of October’s state election.
Preselection for Mulgrave closed earlier this month with sources confirming that Cairns Regional Council’s Division 1 Councillor Brett Moller is one of the party’s contenders for the role.
If voted in by members – a ballot is expected within the week – the lifelong Far North Queenslander would follow on from former businessman Gerry Vallianos, who could only muster 25 per cent of the primary vote at the 2020 state election.
When contacted by the Cairns Post, Mr Moller declined to comment on his candidacy.
Mulgrave has been dominated by the father-son duo of Warren and Curtis Pitt with the pair having served the electorate for more than a quarter of a century, with the latter rising to the position of Treasurer from 2015 to 2017.
Since his election victory in 2009, the younger Mr Pitt has seen off all challengers, even surviving the Campbell Newman-led LNP romp in 2012 which left Labor decimated, with just seven MPs across the state.
But with recent polls suggesting a landslide loss for the government, both Katter’s Australia Party and the LNP believe they’re strong chances to pick up established Labor seats in the Far North.
Mr Moller’s possible departure could have huge implications for the council, triggering a by-election and ridding the chamber of the strongest publicly dissenting voice to mayor Amy Eden since her victory in March.
The lawyer challenged Ms Eden on her budget and foreshadowed her failure to deliver on promises, including free green waste bins prior to the local government elections in March.
Mr Moller, along with Division 5 Councillor Rob Pyne, also called out a conflict of interest concern after she recommended her former campaign advisor, John Andrejic, become interim CEO in May.
The councillor stepped down as deputy mayor following the local government election, paving the way for Division 9 Councillor Brett Olds to step into the role.
Mr Moller is still considered a strong voice within the council, who is respected by councillors and staff for his measured and considered approach and extensive connections within the community.
Should he leave, the once dominant Unity Party will be left with just two councillors, Division 6’s Kristy Vallely and Division 8’s Rhonda Coghlan inside the council.
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Originally published as The Cairns councillor who could challenge Curtis Pitt for Mulgrave
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