Local elections timetable

The Election Commission Queensland has released a revised election timetable of all significant dates for the Local Government elections.
The release follows Premier Anna Bligh’s recent announcement that the State Government elections will be held on March 24, subsequently delaying the Local Government elections until April 28.
Nominations for council candidates open Saturday, March 10, and close 12pm Tuesday, March 27.
The Local Government ‘caretaker period’ which precludes the council from making a ‘major policy decision’ begins on Saturday, March 10, and ends at the conclusion of the elections.
A ‘major policy decision’ includes a decision about the appointment of a chief executive officer (CEO), the remuneration of a CEO, the termination of a CEO, entering any contract with a total value higher than $150,000 or more than one per cent of the local governments’ net rate and utility charges.
In the Southern Downs the election will be held by postal ballot, which means there will be no polling booths, instead each registered voter will receive a postal ballot paper in the mail in the weeks leading up to the election.
If you are registered on the roll in Southern Downs you will receive voting papers automatically, you do not have to apply for them.
Postal votes must be completed before 6pm on Election Day and received by the returning officer at the Electoral Commission Queensland before 6pm Tuesday, May 8.
“It is very important that your details on the electoral role are correct, or you may miss your chance to vote,” Mayor Ron Bellingham said.
Electoral rolls closed on January 31. If you have concerns about the accuracy of your details listed on the electoral role, contact Electoral Commission Queensland as soon as possible or visit www.ecq.qld.gov.au