By-elections and recounts on the cards for several Tasmanian local councils in wake of state election

Up to three Tasmanian municipalities could be looking for a new mayor and another two may need new councillors pending the final results of the state election. SEE ALL THE MOVERS AND SHAKERS >>

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UP to five by-elections and recounts are on the cards for local government pending the final outcome of the state election.

Three municipalities are facing losing their mayor, while another two may lose another elected member to state parliament.

Kingborough Mayor Dean Winter. Picture Eddie Safarik

Labor candidate for Bass Janie Finlay. Picture: Rob Burnett

Kingborough Mayor Dean Winter and Launceston councillor Janie Finlay are looking certain to be elected, with Glenorchy Mayor Kristie Johnston and Hobart alderman Simon Behrakis also in contention.

Last week, West Coast Mayor Phil Vickers also wrapped up his reign after eight years and nearly four decades working in local government.

Tasmanian Electorial Commissioner Andrew Hawkey said councillors who get elected to state parliament had to resign from local government.

Independent candidate for Clark Kristie Johnston. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Liberal candidate Simon Behrakis. Picture Eddie Safarik

“Following the returns of the writ for the state election, they will need to vacate their council position,” he said.

“Once that occurs, the [council] general managers will inform me of those vacancies.

“If they are just a councillor, like Janie Finlay, then it is a recount process which is fairly straightforward. If they’re a mayor, then it will be a by-election. The general manager and I will then have to consider the process for that – we’ll look to not make it too late because these are important positions that need to be filled.”

Mr Hawkey said he would discuss the process with the councils’ respective general managers, but said there would be a benefit to running everything at the same time.

Cr Winter was back to his duties as mayor at the council’s meeting last night as he awaits the final state election results.

Unsuccessful Liberal candidate for the Upper House seat of Derwent, Derwent Valley Mayor Ben Shaw, also spent Monday starting to collect his signs from around the region.