Chair Jaime Gane is urging Weipa residents passionate about the future of their community to secure “a seat at the table” by nominating for the Weipa Town Authority by-election. Photo: Supplied.
The date has been set for Weipa voters to determine which community member will fill the vacant seat in the Weipa Town Authority (WTA) chamber.
The vacancy was created after popular elected member Lisa Scharf resigned from office in June to join her husband at his new job, and WTA Chair Jaime Gane said she had left big shoes to fill as a community advocate.
“Lisa does leave a bit of a gap – she will be missed,” Ms Gane said.
“She did a lot for the community in the time that she was here.”
Nominations to fill the vacancy opened on 21 July, and anyone wishing to throw their hat in the ring must have their nomination submitted by midday on 29 July.
If more than one person nominates and a by-election is required, Weipa voters will head to the ballot box on 16 August.
Ms Gane urged eligible residents to consider nominating to represent the interests of the Weipa community at a local, state and federal level.
“I think people should put their hand up,” she said.
“There’s a lot of very passionate people in this community, as we know.
“I think the only way really to have your voice heard and help influence the future of the town is to have a seat at the table, so, I’m encouraging those people who are passionate about the future of this community to put their hand up and have a go.”
Voters wanting to check or update their enrolment status ahead of the potential polling day can do so by going to the Australian Electoral Commission website.
For information about the by-election, or to get an approved nomination form, contact WTA on 4030 9400 or by emailing [email protected].
