Polls Open Soon As Mackay Prepares For Crucial By-Election

By Amanda Wright

More than 90,000 Mackay region residents will cast their votes in a full postal ballot by-election next month, following the resignation of Councillor George Christensen in late May. The by-election, scheduled for Saturday 30 August 2025, will determine who fills the vacant seat on the Mackay Regional Council.

With the nomination period now open and closing at noon on Thursday 24 July, the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) is urging interested community members to act quickly.

Electoral Commissioner Pat Vidgen said candidates must complete several steps to be eligible, including opening a dedicated campaign bank account, paying a $250 deposit, securing at least six nominators from within the council area, and completing mandatory training through the Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers.

“Postal vote materials will be mailed to every eligible voter, so it’s essential to ensure your enrolment details are current,” Mr Vidgen said.

“That includes updating your postal address if it has changed, or enrolling for the first time by 5pm Tuesday 22 July.”

The vote will be decided by a first-past-the-post system, meaning the candidate with the most votes wins, with no preference distribution. While results are expected by 9 September, a clear leader could emerge sooner depending on vote count progress.

The cost of Mackay’s upcoming by-election is expected to come in well below early estimates, with the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) advising that the final figure will be $569,000. Initial projections had placed the price tag closer to $700,000, while a full face-to-face ballot was estimated to cost as much as $800,000.

At least four candidates have confirmed their intention to contest the seat: Mackay small business owner Dion Loader, Sarina’s Melissa Milton, former Isaac Mayor Anne Baker, and Kimberly Doyle, who previously ran in the 2024 local government elections.

The by-election represents a significant moment for Mackay Regional Council, with Mayor Greg Williamson expressing hope that the successful candidate will bring passion, integrity, and a genuine commitment to the entire region.

“I’m just hoping that whoever wants to put up their hand has got the right agenda behind them,” Mayor Williamson said.

“And that agenda is the best we can possibly do — not for personal gain... but the best for the Mackay Regional Council footprint.”

Mayor Williamson said local government was often the level of government closest to people’s everyday lives, and the role of councillor came with a responsibility to serve the broader interests of all communities across the region.

He added that council and the community needs someone who understands what makes this region tick — from our urban centres to our rural communities, from tourism and agriculture to small business and innovation.

“It’s about passion. It’s about people. And it’s about putting our region first.”

Mayor Williamson also encouraged residents to stay engaged in the process, saying strong voter participation was a vital part of shaping the region’s future.

“We’ve got great momentum in Mackay and we need committed representatives to keep that going.”

More information about the by-election, including how to nominate or update enrolment details, is available on the ECQ website at www.ecq.qld.gov.au.

‍

The current Mackay Regional Council councillors, with one seat now vacant following the resignation of George Christensen, who will step up to fill the gap? The vote is yours. Photo source: Mackay Regional Council

‍