Race for Whitsunday Regional Council is on

The race for Whitsunday Regional Council has begun in earnest with candidate nominations now closed and the order of names on the ballot sheet decided.

At yesterday’s ballot draw in Cannonvale, the top spot on the mayoral ballot was won by Eric Oliver.

Current Mayor Jennifer Whitney had her name drawn from the box next, with current Deputy Mayor Andrew Willcox taking the third spot.

Contesting Division 1 will be Michelle Lynes, Mark Yore and Jan Clifford and vying for Division 2 are Ron Petterson, John Atkinson and Tanya Bandow.
Division 3 candidates are Rogin Taylor and John Collins and for Division 4 we have Peter Ramage, newcomer Pat Faust and Gary Simpson.

Division 6 will be contested by John Smith, Mike Brunker and Jeff Hawkins.

All candidates names will appear on the ballots in that order.

Dave Clark was uncontested in Division 5 and has therefore been duly elected for another term.

The local government election will be held on Saturday, March 19.

Returning officer Leanne Lloyd said people needed to be aware that this time around there were some changes to booths.

Historically Cannonvale votes have headed to the TAFE but this year they will vote at the Christian College.

The Proserpine booth has moved from the court house to Father Gard Hall at St Catherine’s on Renwick Road.

Pre-poll voting in Proserpine can be done at the Entertainment Centre.

The Mt Julian booth has closed and the Collinsville booth has moved from the school to the community centre.

For more information visit the Electoral Commission of Queensland’s website at www.ecq.qld.gov.au or call 1300 881 665.