By Amanda Wright
The Mackay region anticipates a new era in local governance as the Electoral Commission of Queensland declares the formation of the Mackay Regional Council. Ten councillors, a mix of incumbents and fresh faces, are set to lead the region over the next four years.
The newly elected council comprises a diverse group of representatives, including four members from Jacko's team, four independents (with one newcomer and three re-elected), and two from Greg Williamson's team. Among Williamson’s team is former Deputy Mayor Karen May, alongside newcomer Ash-Lee Johnson, marking a total of six new councillors joining the council.
In a closely watched election, re-elected councillor Belinda Hassan secured the highest percentage of votes, demonstrating strong community support. However, former councillor Michelle Green narrowly missed out on retaining her seat by a mere 59 votes.
One of the standout performers in the election was George Christensen, former Federal Member for Dawson, who campaigned on a "no woke" platform alongside his father. Christensen secured over four per cent of the vote, emphasising the community's desire for change.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to find myself officially elected as one of your Mackay Regional Councillors,” Mr Christensen said.
“But this isn’t merely an election won; it’s a mandate against business as usual, against continual rising rates, against the community being ignored, against poor service delivery (particularly in our rural areas), and against the creeping imposition of ideologies that do not serve our community's core values,” he said.
Joining Christensen is newcomer Namarca Corowa, a member of the Mackay First team, who garnered significant support with his focus on indigenous perspectives and historical awareness. Nathenea MacRae, Heath Paton, and returning independents Martin Bella and Alison Jones complete the lineup of elected councillors alongside popular new independent candidate, Peter Sheedy.
In light of her re-election, Councillor Alison Jones expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community once more, highlighting the council's diverse representation and the importance of fostering positive relationships for the region's betterment.
“I’m excited to be part of one of the most diversely represented councils I have ever seen, from the business and agricultural community, our younger generation and cultural representatives I’m looking forward to assisting our new councillors bringing them up to speed and fostering healthy positive relationships in council for the betterment of our community,” Mrs Jones said.
Notably, the first ten candidates on the ballot received a stronger percentage of votes than the last ten, raising questions about voter behaviour under compulsory voting.
With the formation of the new council, Mackay residents can anticipate a period of transition and transformation as their elected representatives embark on their mandate to shape the future of the region.
Your Elected Councillors: Ash-Lee Johnson, Nathenea MacRae, Namarca Corowa, Peter Sheedy, Belinda Hassan, George Christensen, Alison Jones, Heath Paton, Martin Bella, Karen May.
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