JCU political expert says back-to-basics campaigns are in vogue at Far North’s local goverment elections

A Cairns country crooner, the founder of a Cape York recycling business and a Port Douglas public transport advocate are among the last-minute contenders for mayoral roles in the Far North.

Samuel Davis

2 min read

February 14, 2024 - 4:00AM

The Cairns Post

Musician Binda Warren wants to become Cairns’ next mayor. Image: Stewart McLean

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A Cairns country crooner, the founder of a Cape York recycling business and a Port Douglas public transport advocate are among the last-minute contenders for mayoral roles in the Far North.

Nominations have now closed for the 2024 local government elections to be held across Queensland’s 77 local government areas next month.

In Cairns, singer-songwriter Binda Warren has thrown his cowboy hat into the ring, joining six other contenders for the top job.

In the Far North’s other mayoral races, head-to-head battles have emerged on the Cassowary Coast with incumbent Mark Nolan to be challenged by former councillor Teresa Millwood and the Tablelands mayor Rod Marti taking on David Clifton.

Mareeba Shire Council Mayor Angela Toppin is poised to maintain her position. Image: Bronwyn Farr

At deadline, the race to become mayor in Douglas and Cook both featured three hopefuls with Douglas’ Michael Kerr departing and longtime mayor Peter Scott retiring.

Among the surprise entrants in Cook’s mayoral race is AusWaste FNQ’s Kenny Reid.

Meanwhile Mareeba’s sole candidate, current mayor Angela Toppin, will be a walk-up starter for the role.

James Cook University political scientist Dr Maxine Newlands says she expects grassroots campaigns to be among the most effective at next month’s local government elections. Picture: Evan Morgan

Queensland political expert, Maxine Newlands said “bread and butter” politics will trump social media splash at next month’s local government elections, with keyboard candidates urged to hit the pavement instead.

With councillor and mayoral contenders now locked in, the James Cook University adjunct professor said the fundamentals of a good grassroots campaign still remained key to success.

Cook Shire Mayor Peter Scott will not be contesting the upcoming local government elections. Image: Brian Cassey

Door knocking, attending town hall meetings and using stalls at local markets were all valuable campaigning methods for political aspirants, Dr Newlands said.

“Social media is now a normal channel of communication but it’s really about those local connections,” she said.

“Door knocking allows candidates to build a relationship with voters. You can talk about issues and it’s that kind of face-to-face communication that’s really important in local government.

“Your social media just reinforces what you’re already doing.”

In mayoral races such as Cairns, where seven hopefuls are vying for the top job, “personality politics” will play a role, Dr Newlands said.

“As far as policy goes, a lot of them are likely fairly close on key issues,” she said.

“People will vote on their values but it’ll come down to personality politics.

“It’s about your town hall meetings and not being afraid to face the public.

“Kissing babies, shaking hands and meeting people on street corners.

“People will ask, ‘Have I seen that person and do I like the look of this person? Do they sound alright?’”

“It’s all about community in council,” Dr Newlands said.

“Is this person going to make sure there are no potholes?”

Mr Warren said his experience belting out could stand him in good stead at this election.

“Maybe the music background will help with my profile and performance,” he said. “I’ve played at a lot of festivals and events over the years.”

“I’ve also got a background with palliative care and youth work. It means I have a deeper understanding of some of these issues people are talking about at the moment.”

Asked to nominate a campaign song for his mayoral tilt, Mr Warren chose Ben E. King’s ‘Stand By Me’.

Local government elections will be held on Saturday, March 16.