Ipswich City Council will hold a special meeting on Thursday, September 5, at 8:45 a.m. to determine how to fill the Division 4 vacancy left by the resignation of Councillor David Cullen. Cr Cullen stepped down from his role last week, citing health reasons.
Chief Executive Officer Sonia Cooper announced that the council will consider two options for filling the position, as outlined in Section 166 of the Local Government Act 2009. “As the resignation occurred within the first 12 months of an election, Councillors must decide by resolution to either hold a by-election or have the Electoral Commission of Queensland offer the position to the runner-up of the 2024 Division 4 election ballot,” Ms. Cooper said.
The meeting will provide an opportunity for the councillors to make a prompt decision on the matter. It will be open to the public and livestreamed on the council’s YouTube channel, allowing residents to follow the proceedings.
The council’s decision will be closely watched by residents of Division 4, who are eager to see how their new representative will be chosen. Holding a by-election would give voters a direct say in their representation, while appointing the runner-up from the recent election would be a quicker, less costly option.
The outcome of Thursday’s meeting will determine the next steps for the council in ensuring continued representation for the residents of Division 4. Those interested in the process are encouraged to tune in to the livestream or attend in person to stay informed on this important decision.
0 Comments