Lisa Scharf (centre), pictured with Judey Haeusler and WTA Chair Jaime Gane, says her decision to resign as one of the town’s elected members was “heartbreaking” and is encouraging community members passionate about representing Weipa to throw their hat in the ring for at the August by-election to determine who will replace her. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
Weipa voters will return to the ballot box in August to decide on the replacement for a popular member of the community’s leadership team.
Weipa Town Authority (WTA) elected member Lisa Scharf has tendered her resignation and will vacate her seat at the end of June, a decision she told Cape York Weekly was “heartbreaking” but unavoidable as she prepared to leave town to join her husband at his new job.
“It’s heartbreaking, because I basically gave my heart to Weipa, and took my role very seriously at WTA,” she said.
“It’s very sad, but it was just a decision we had to make, because we’ve been living apart.”
Given more than 12 months has passed since the March 2024 council elections, section 166(1)(b) of the Local Government Act 2009 prescribes the vacancy must be filled by a by-election.
WTA Chair Jaime Gane said she and fellow elected members were devastated by Ms Scharf’s imminent departure, adding planning was under way to lock in the date for the by-election.
“We will be sad to see her go,” she said.
“We can’t formally advertise for new candidates until the position is vacated, so that will happen after our meeting at the end of the month; we are looking at potential options around mid-August, being mindful of community events like the rodeo.”
Ms Gane said she hoped to see a broad cross-section of the community nominate to join the WTA leadership team.
“I’m hopeful that people will see it as an opportunity to get involved in shaping the future of the community,” she said.
“I know there are a lot of passionate people in this town, and the best way to influence change is to have a seat at the table, so I would definitely encourage people to put their hand up.”
Despite her disappointment at having to walk away from the role she is so passionate about, Ms Scharf echoed the chair’s sentiment and urged Weipa residents to consider representing their community.
“It’s very worthwhile, because you’re giving a voice to the people that live there, that pay rates, that own businesses, and their voice is very important to be heard,” Ms Scharf said.
