Post backed for Council byelection

Voters in the Moreton Bay City Council byelection are set to elect a new  councillor for Division 11 by post - not at polling booths.

Mayor Peter Flannery said the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) has “advised a postal vote is the best option” for the byelection.

It would be cheaper than polling booths and “maximises participation” by not requiring in-person voting in the low population density division.

“I support this request by ECQ as it is cost-effective for our rate payers and convenient for residents, particularly when our communities have voted in three elections in the last 16 months,” the Mayor said.

“I understand the details of the byelection will be conveyed to our Council very soon by the independent ECQ.”

The byelection is to find a successor to Darren Grimwade who resigned from Council last week 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.

“I would like to acknowledge Darren for his dedication, hard work and positive impact he leaves on our City,” Mayor Flannery told last week’s Council meeting.

“We acknowledge Darren’s resignation is related to personal circumstances and respect his decision to be closer to his family in Outback Queensland.

“I wish him all the best in his new career.”

Cr Jodie Shipway (Div 4) said Mr Grimwade had done a “fantastic job” and Cr Yvonne Barlow (Div 7) said he was “fabulous as my councillor”.

“I knew Darren many years ago when he was in State Government … and he was in real estate, as I was. I’m sure Barcoo will be thrilled to have someone of his substance,” she said.

Cr Matt Constance (Div 10) said Mr Grimwade was “tenacious”, “dedicated to the community and not afraid to ruffle feathers or call a spade a spade”.

“He is leaving big shoes to fill for Division 11. We can only hope we see a strong steady hand fill those shoes,” Cr Constance said.