Mackay councillors to break from Mayor Greg Williamson’s alliance in 2024
In a break from the Williamson alliance, four Mackay councillors indicate they may run as independents in the next election.
Mackay
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Three Mackay councillors have indicated a shift towards being an independent if they toss their hat into the next local government election ring.
Councillors Belinda Hassan, Fran Mann, Justin Englert and Pauline Townsend originally ran as a part of the Williamson Alliance, a political coalition led by Mayor Greg Williamson, but said they will be breaking with the mayor if they run in 2024.
Cr Townsend, who has just served her first term as a city councillor, described her experience after running and serving as a part of the Greg Williamson alliance faction.
“As a team we were told to vote how we felt.” she said.
“That worked for a very short time and soon we had to vote according to (Williamson’s) policy.”
The councillors were joined by incumbent independent councillors Martin Bella, Laurence Bonaventura and Russel Seymour at a recent meeting of independent candidates.
“We don’t share resources, but we do share information and help each other out.” Mr Bella said, leading the meeting.
The meeting acted as a forum for the councillors to share their experiences with other prospective candidates.
“We’ve all had some sleepless nights.” shared Ms Mann, a second term councillor.
“I took a pay cut to be a councillor,” Ms Hassan said.
“It can be as little or as much as you want it to be.”
Many of Mackay’s councillors volunteer in their spare time, Ms Hassan volunteers with several domestic violence and women's organisations in addition to working the full time job of councillor.
“As an independent, we can vote against each other, but there’s no hard feelings.” Mr Townsend said.
“You vote what you believe while respecting your fellow independent councillors for doing the same, whatever that may be.”
Councillors who run as independents need a minimum of six electors to support their registration via the electoral commission of Queensland.
One of the incentives of running with a team is the support and resources you can benefit from as a part of that team.
Candidate nominations open on Monday January 29 and early voting starts March 4.
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Originally published as Mackay councillors to break from Mayor Greg Williamson’s alliance in 2024
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