17/03/2024
Good morning Gladstone Region
The count continues this morning to elect your new Councillors with only Gladstone pre-poll and postal votes left to count.
Soon after the new team are sworn in I will put forward a motion to consider the introduction of Council Divisions (Wards).
While I don't necessarily believe divisions will give better representation across the Region we need to have the conversation with the community and the Electoral Commission of Queensland.
For the first time since amalgamation noone from the Southern part of our Region put their hand up to be on Council.
The informal vote for Baffle Creek was 17.86%, Agnes Water 16.94% and Rosedale 13.92%. While the numbers are low the percentage is too high.
Division boundaries are determined by the Electoral Commission of Queensland based on population.
The introduction of divisions in the Gladstone Region would look something like:
1. Calliope, River Ranch, Yarwun, Targinnie, Mt Larcom, Ambrose, Raglan, Bracewell, Darts Creek, Boyne Valley
2. Clinton, Seaview Heights, Lakeview Estate, Beecher, Burua, Carinya Park
3. New Auckland, Kaleentha Park, Emmadale Park, Kirkwood
4. Kin Kora, Sun Valley, Telina, Toolooa, Glen Eden
5. Gladstone Central, Gladstone South, Gladstone West
6. Boyne Island, Riverstone Rise, Wurdong Heights
7. Tannum Sands, Pacific Ranch, Benaraby
8. Agnes Water, 1770, Captain Creek, Rosedale, Baffle Creek, Deepwater, Lowmead, Miriam Vale, Bororen, Turkey Beach, Iveragh
Facts to consider
Based on a regional population of 65,000 the 8 divisions in the Gladstone Region would each cover a population of approximately 8000 residents.
Regardless of which division a Councillor is elected to, they must represent the entire region in the Council Chambers. (ie Budget allocations, capital and operational expenditure across the whole region not just their division)
As part of the conversation we will need to consider a vote of the entire Region.
I will also be asking the newly elected team if they would like to consider reinstating Councillor portfolios ie Infrastructure, Finance, Community Services, Parks, Water etc.
