The winner of the record-breaking by-election in Rockhampton is likely to get fewer primary votes than « Pineapple » Hooper in the last election, despite the government repealing legislation to keep the « random mayor » out of office.
Political analysts say Queensland’s biggest mayoral election ever is everyone’s game. Predicting a handful of optional preferences could be all that separates the motley cast of 17 candidates – the most enrolled in an ECQ-administered mayoral election.
« The absence of (former mayor) Margaret Strelow in this race and her very long-standing and huge, very recognizable profile really leaves the field open, » said UQ political historian Dr. Chris Salisbury.
« Now there is no such thing as a high-profile, established candidate – votes will be everywhere … there is the possibility that someone out of the blue or a relatively unknown candidate wins the competition. »
The two-week preselection has made the beef capital a political coliseum with a range of characters – including current councilors, fruit kings and rugby personalities of the generations vying for the top spot.
At the top is « regional outsider » Chris « Pineapple » Hooper, Griffith policy expert Dr. Paul Williams was a likely favorite.
« People see it as a stand-up knockabout against Queenslanders … it’s an integral part of the Australian ethos, especially the Bush ethos, » he said.
Mr Hooper, Rockhampton’s now famous « casual mayor », is armed with a new legion of « disgruntled » supporters as he launches another pedal-powered election campaign determined to fulfill a decades-long political dream.
« We have two lots now … we have the green lot and the other mob are the people who are pissed off … saying to me ‘we don’t like your policies’ but we will actually vote for you because of what happens is « he said.
The barefoot, barefoot Adani protester would have become mayor by default late last year after Margaret Strelow’s shock was determined due to misconduct.
However, a short-term attempt by the state government to reform its own legislation just months after it was passed forced Mr. Hooper out of office and sparked today’s by-elections.
Despite the upheaval in 2020, Dr. Salisbury that the new mayor could « ironically » likely get fewer votes than the 31 percent Mr Hooper received in the March 2020 election.
Both Dr. Williams and Dr. Salisbury predicted that preferences would be a crucial part of the by-election, although local elections will be held with an optional preferential vote.
« I suspect we will see a higher percentage of ballots filled out … which means preferences come into play, » said Dr. Williams.
Other brightly colored candidates include: Russell Claus, who led the reconstruction of Oklahoma City after the 1995 bombings before returning to Rockhampton; « Fruit King » Dominic Doblo; four current councilors; and 32-year-old Christoper Davies, who was told to run after Pineapple smashed the « stereotypical mayor figure ».
Russell Claus, a key figure in the reconstruction of Oklahoma City after the 1995 bombings, moved to Rockhampton seven years ago « with a promise to redevelop the city » – but he was hindered by the local government. « I’m aiming for the top position … because I couldn’t do this job ».
Tony Williams, a 16-year-old city councilor and former deputy mayor, has structured his campaign around disaster management, solar energy potential, and 10-year funding plan. With his experience in infrastructure and tourism, he believes he is a « trustworthy voice » for the region.
The miner and mom was the first to sign up for the Mayor’s Race and has focused her campaign on Rockhampton’s tourist potential.
Leyland Barnett is a local businessman with an eye for efficiency. It focuses on freezing council rates for 12 months and reducing the council’s own running costs.
Department 1 city councilor Shane Latcham would develop a more collaborative and consultative approach to governance with an emphasis on water, waste and roads.
Christian Shepherd is campaigning for mayor as an independent through his recent election campaign for the KAP with a campaign that focuses on « efficient spending, lower rates and regional growth ».
Rockhampton’s fruit king Dominic Doblo presented plans for a new school and cheaper water prices in his « victory policy » and has already run twice for mayor.
The Cattle Baron’s grandson and graduate Remy McCamley took part in the Mayors’ Race, focusing on more flights, more business and increasing population growth.
The newly elected City Council of Division 7 and long-time business owner is fighting for mayor’s office over COVID-19. It promises four priorities: growth, security, security and community.
Cherie Rutherford, Rockhampton Division 5 Councilor and former Deputy Mayor since 2004, believes Rockhampton needs experience and has promised to create jobs, attract investment and promote development.
The manager of the Queensland Rugby League Central Division and four generations in Rockhampton plans that the city will become the sporting capital of Australia. Rob Crow wants to create incentives for the industry and promote sports tourism.
Local businessman Christopher Davies, who was asked to run after Pineapple smashed the « stereotypical mayor figure, » believes his experience in the media opened his eyes to the pulse of the area. « With that experience, I can work towards addressing these issues … and bringing the fellowship back to the council, » he says.
John Rewald, a well-known community leader with an eye for the homeless, has promised « affordable social housing for our most needy ». He has also promised to cut the mayor’s salary in half if he is elected and to improve parks and gardens.
The by-election sparked a 25-year dream for financial expert Brett Williams, who worked in local government in NSW and Queensland. His campaign focuses on « the basics » – roads, trash, sewers and trash.
Miranda Broadbent, local volunteer, teacher and community, has a vision for a « healthy, futuristic region » and has environmental sustainability and more viability as an election promise.
Environmental activist Pineapple, the barefoot “casual mayor” who was expelled from office after last year’s law reform, is determined to fulfill a two-decade government dream and is armed with a new legion of supporters.
Business owner and management expert Nyree Johnson has promised not to increase the rates above the CPI if they choose. She has eyes for a new Rockhampton museum and advertises a variety of development and employment strategies.
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