This Saturday’s historic elections in Queensland are the first for the local government areas affected by last year’s mergers and boundary changes.
Around 2.6 million Queenslanders will go to the polls to elect 73 mayors will lead their communities through the next four years.
Fewer of those mayors will be women with a number expected to stand down following the elections.
Toowoomba’s Cr Dianne Thorley, Bundaberg’s Kay McDuff, Mackay’s Julie Boyd, Rockhampton’s Margaret Strelow and Pine Rivers’ Yvonne Chapman are among the high-profile mayors who will depart the local government sector.
Crs Betty Johnson (Biggenden), Anne Portess (Herberton), Shirley Pitt (Laidley), Susan Sewter (Mornington), Norah Pearson (Poruma Island) and Gloria Banting (Woocoo) have also decided not to stand.
Female mayors who will step down and seek councillor positions include Crs Carol Taylor (Cambooya), Margaret Mau (Dauan Island), Louise Guise (Mabuiag Island), Barbara Hovard (Maryborough), Ros Scotney (Pittsworth), Karen May (Sarina) and Linda Harris (Tiaro).
Local Government Association of Queensland president, Cr Paul Bell said: “They have all made substantial contributions to their communities and will be missed.”
The female mayors who are seeking re-election include Crs Joy Drescher (Beaudesert), Lyn McLaughlin (Burdekin), Annie Clarke (Burke), Joy Leishman (Caboolture), Corrie Pickering (Croydon), Joan White (Inglewood), Delena Foster (Palm Island), Donna Stewart (Balonne) and Joy Jensen (Perry).
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