Council Vote Sees Karen May Return As Deputy Mayor

Councillor Karen May has been elected as Deputy Mayor of Mackay Regional Council, succeeding Belinda Hassan after a vote by her fellow councillors.
At a special council meeting on Wednesday, August 7, three councillors expressed their interest in the position. Karen May, who previously served as Deputy Mayor in the last term, was ultimately chosen to step back into the role.
Experienced Councillor Alison Jones and first-term Councillor Ash-Lee Johnson also vied for the position. In a closely contested vote, Ms May secured five for and five against. In the case of a tie, Mayor Greg Williamson casts the deciding vote. He voted in favour of Ms May and sighted her extensive experience bringing good governance to the table.
In her address to the council, Ms May highlighted her extensive 23-year career in local government, including her tenure as Mayor of the Sarina Shire Council and Deputy Mayor of Mackay Regional Council.
"I put forward that I have the necessary experience with a proven track record of reliability, and you would be in safe hands if you choose me as your Deputy Mayor," Ms May said.
She also emphasised the importance of the Deputy Mayor's role as the Deputy Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group.
"Since 2008, I have undertaken all the necessary training to execute that role. During the past two terms of council, I have assisted the Mayor in the bushfires that we encountered, Cyclone Debbie, and COVID-19, which was a very complex matter to deal with," she added.
Mayor Greg Williamson expressed his enthusiasm about the strong interest shown in the position.
"It was fantastic to see so many councillors put their hands up to be part of this democratic process," he said.
"And to affirm the fact that good governance is what's required around our table."
Welcoming Councillor May back to the role, he noted, "Cr May and I have worked very well together in the past, but this is a new council.
“We have six new councillors around the table, and it requires new governance to meet the needs of everyone.
“I'm confident Cr May is up to this challenge and she'll do it very well."
Belinda Hassan stepped down as Deputy Mayor after being confirmed as the Labor candidate for the seat of Mackay in the upcoming state election. While on unpaid leave from the council to campaign for the state position, she may return as a councillor if unsuccessful in the state election. However, if elected as the Member for Mackay, her council position will cease, triggering the need for Mackay Regional Council to decide how to fill the vacancy.
The options include appointing Michelle Green, who was narrowly defeated in the last local election, or holding a by-election, which Mayor Williamson noted could cost around $400,000, an expense not accounted for in the current budget.

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Mayor Greg Williamson congratulates Councillor Karen May as she is re-elected Deputy Mayor of Mackay Regional Council

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