Countdown To Council Polls Begins

January 20, 2020

Several more would-be councillors have put their hands up for public roles after the March 28 election.

Over the Christmas-New Year break, announcements were made in the South Burnett, Gympie and Toowoomba council races.

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South Burnett

In the South Burnett, well-known Kingaroy businesswoman Abigail Andersson announced on social media on Christmas Eve that she would challenge sitting Mayor Keith Campbell.

Kingaroy-based accountant Brett Otto, who originally intended to stand against Cr Terry Fleischfresser in Division 4, has his sights now on the top job.

Mayor Campbell confirmed late last year he would be restanding.

Another new face hoping for a spot on the South Burnett Regional Council is Team Ironpot’s – and Reef’n’Beef organiser – Scott “Hook” Henschen, who is challenging Cr Ros Heit for Division 6.

Cr Heit and all other current SBRC councillors have confirmed their intentions to restand.

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Gympie

Former jackaroo Tim Jerome, who stood unsuccessfully for Wide Bay at the last Federal poll, has announced his intention to run for Gympie Mayor.

He joins Division 2 councillor Glen Hartwig, who announced mid-year he would be challenging sitting mayor Mick Curran.

Mayor Curran has not stated publicly yet whether he intends to re-stand.

In Division 1, former Tin Can Bay Coast Guard chief Phil Feldman has announced his intention to challenge Cr Mark McDonald.

Leonora Cox is standing for Division 2.

Gympie Netball president Colleen Miller, from Araluen, and Terry McMullen will challenge Cr Mal Gear in Division 3.

Bruce Devereaux is standing against Daryl Dodt in Division 4.

Former One Nation candidate Chelle Dobson, who stood unsuccessfully at the 2017 State election, is challenging Cr Dan Stewart in Division 5.

Division 6 councillor Hilary Smerdon has signalled his intention to re-stand.

Would-be councillor Col Morley, who earlier said he would stand for Division 7, pulled out of the contest over the break. Division 7 is currently held by Deputy Mayor Bob Leitch.

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Toowoomba

Community development worker Petria Grabham is the latest person to join the 2020 council election race in Toowoomba.

She joins 17 other candidates so far who are vying for the 11 council roles on offer.

As Toowoomba is an undivided council, voters will have a wide range of candidates to choose from.

Aged care worker Lindy Eising is challenging Mayor Paul Antonio for the top job. She also ran for Mayor at the 2016 poll.

Mayor Paul Antonio announced his intention last year to re-stand.

Would-be councillors who have put their names forward so far are ex-Toowoomba North MP and former Attorney-General Kerry Shine, former journalist Rebecca Vonhoff, Nepalese Association of Toowoomba president Eakraj Adhikari, QRME Deputy Chair Lizzie Adams, former USQ Associate Professor Dr Warren Midgley, former schoolteacher Tim McMahon, Toowoomba businesswoman Joy Mingay, retail worker Tim Entwistle, Toowoomba-4350tv owner Daryl Nicholson, businesswoman Melissa Taylor and former council worker Mike Flanigan.

Current councillors Geoff McDonald, Nancy Sommerfield, Cr Megan O’Hara Sullivan and Mike Williams have all stated they will recontest their positions.

Cr Anne Glasheen has indicated she will not be restanding.

• Editor’s note: Have we missed you in this quick round-up of candidates? If so, please email your details to news@southburnett.com.au. We have heard no word yet about possible Cherbourg candidates.

UPDATE January 22: Toowoomba-4350tv’s Daryl Nicholson has pulled out of the Toowoomba election race, but community volunteer Garry Humphries has joined in.

UPDATE February 13: Cr Williams has announced he won’t be re-standing.

  Council