Planning starts for byelection

The “required decision-making processes” are underway for a byelection in Division 11 of Moreton Bay City Council.

A postal vote is seen as the “best option” being cheaper than polling booths and not requiring in-person voting in the low population density division.

“The Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) will be delivering a by-election to fill the vacancy in Division 11 of Moreton Bay City Council,” an ECQ spokesperson said.

“The Council has applied to the Minister for Local Government to conduct this by-election as a full postal ballot, which the Minister has referred to the ECQ for advice.

“The by-election date will be set as soon as practicable following the completion of the required decision-making processes by the Minister.

“Once further information is available, it will be made public on ECQ’s website.”

The byelection is to find a successor to Darren Grimwade who resigned from Council earlier this month for family reasons.

Mr Grimwade has joined Barcoo Shire Council, in far west Queensland, to be with his wife, who is a midwife and took up a position in Longreach late last year.

Crs Cath Tonks (Div 9) and Tony Latter (Div 12) are sharing responsibilities for Division 11 until a new councillor is elected.