By Jeremy Sollars
New Southern Downs Regional Council Mayor Vic Pennisi says he is ready to “knuckle down” and get on with the job after the result of the mayoral election was formally declared by the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) last night, Monday 6 April.
Pennisi will be sworn in as mayor at the first meeting of the new council, which could be on Thursday of this week or possibly next Tuesday 14 April, factoring in the Easter public holidays and ‘statutory’ timeframes under legislation.
The timing of the first meeting will also depend on when the results of the councillor election are formally declared by the ECQ – that could be tonight, Tuesday 7 April or tomorrow, Wednesday.
Today is the final day postal votes can be received and counted and the ECQ is required to wait until 5pm before the final cut-off.
While the continuing delays in establishing the new council administration are frustrating for the community Vic Pennisi and the new team of councillors are bound by legislative protocols, which are lengthened by the Easter period.
A deputy mayor will be elected at the first council meeting and immediate priorities for the new council will be progressing work on the next council budget and formulating the council’s response to the COVID-19 crisis.
At the close of counting last night the top eight councillor candidates were in order as follows –
Ross Bartley
Cameron Gow
Jo McNally
Andrew Gale
Sheryl Windle
Marco Gliori
Cynthia McDonald
Stephen Tancred
It seems unlikely that the small number of postal votes expected to arrive today will alter the ‘final eight’ – Stephen Tancred is around 180 votes ahead of his closest rival Glyn Rees, but updates to follow.
PENNISI CONGRATULATES CANDIDATES…
Vic Pennisi today said it was “with humility I can now inform the region the Electoral Commission of Queensland has formally declared I am the elected Mayor of Southern Downs Regional Council for this term”.
“Firstly, I congratulate all candidates who put their hand up for community leadership positions in this election, as either Mayor of Councillor,” Pennisi said.
“Your enthusiasm for this region makes it a better place and I thank all of you.
“I further congratulate candidates for a mature election, you all rose to a civility and a high level of engaging debate which our community expects and deserves.
“In particular, I acknowledge the incumbent Mayor, Tracy Dobie, and thank you for your service to this region – I know you and Colin will enjoy your next chapter and I sincerely thank you for your efforts and wish you both well, going forward.
“Every candidate knows elections are hard work.
“For this reason, I thank all my supporters for inspiring me to stand up and get through what has been hard work.
“I am sure many will agree the conditions have been made harder by the uncertain challenges we have faced across, not just this region, but for our country.
“I am under no illusion the road ahead will be a little rocky.
“Together we will overcome any obstacles, and rebuild our communities.
“What we have faced together in recent times has demonstrated our resilience and it is this strength I know will continue to inspire me to be better every single day.
“My sleeves have been rolled up for several years, serving this region, and I will continue to do this.
“I am also excited about continuing to listen, learn and grow this region.
“I am excited about the chance to lead a council and a region.
“Southern Downs is unique and wonderful and I cannot wait to forge ahead, knuckle down and get on with making every day better.
“Finally, thank you to my family – I love you very much.”
