General News
28 July, 2026
Deadline looms for new Mayoral candidates
THERE is only one day left for candidates to nominate for the upcoming Tablelands Regional Council Mayoral by-election to be held on 22 August.
Nominations must be submitted to the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) by noon on 30 July for the poll which will be decided by around 21,000 voters in the local government area.
The by-election will be a full postal ballot for all enrolled Tablelands residents, with votes to be received by the ECQ by 1 September.
When The Express went to press, three candidates – Crs Dave Bilney and Kevin Cardew, and Butchers Creek local Mark Norvall – had officially launched their campaigns.
The Express understands Malanda resident Jeanie Fletcher will also stand for the Mayoral position on a Christian platform, describing her desire to be “a God-fearing Mayor”.
Meanwhile, in an unusual move last Thursday, Tablelands Regional Council posted on Facebook what appeared to be a warning to candidates that they had better be ready for the job.
“Planning to nominate for Mayor of TRC? Before you put your hand up, here’s what the first fortnight for the new Mayor will look like,” the post read.
“It will be a very busy start for the new Mayor. Directly after the declaration (on 2 September), the new Mayor will head to Port Douglas to represent TRC at the Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils dinner, staying overnight and attending the meeting the next day,” the post read.
“Then from 9am Monday 7 September, it’s three straight days of induction with the Chief Executive Officer and staff to get across the role, the organisation, the responsibilities, key ongoing matters and the projects already in motion.
“Being a Mayor is not a part-time job.”
Electoral Commissioner Pat Vidgen encouraged anyone interested in representing their community to be aware of the eligibility requirements.
“To nominate as a candidate, you first need to ensure you’re eligible,” he said.
“The best place to start is the local government election participants page of the ECQ’s website.”
Potential candidates must pay a deposit of $250; open a dedicated campaign bank account; complete the free “So you want to be a councillor” online training through the Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers (unless the candidate is a sitting councillor); and be endorsed by at least six eligible voters currently enrolled in Tablelands Regional Council.
Locals have the chance to hear from the candidates at an event to be held at the Atherton International Club on Saturday 8 August from 5.30pm.
