Cooktown Chamber of Commerce and Tourism president Russell Bowman says it is extremely positive to see such a diverse range of candidates wanting to sit on Cook Shire Council for the next four years. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
Aspiring mayoral and councillor candidates will have an opportunity to put their case for election to voters when Cook Shire Council hosts a special community forum on Saturday morning.
Commencing at 11am at PCYC Cooktown, the Meet Your Local Candidates forum will provide Cook Shire electors with a first-hand look at the three nominees hoping to replace retiring Mayor Peter Scott, and the 19 aiming to fill one of the six vacant councillor seats in the council chamber.
With the Cook Shire local government area spanning 106,000 square kilometres, Cape York Weekly understands the council is planning to livestream the event for residents unable to make it in person, as well as providing virtual capacity for candidates who cannot be at PCYC Cooktown to share their leadership vision.
Mayor Scott urged the Cook Shire community to participate and meet those putting their hand up to represent them.
“Our goal is to facilitate an open and respectful arena that allows voters to make informed decisions, based on the merits of each candidate’s ideas and qualifications,” he said.
“This event is about empowering our community to actively participate in the democratic process.
“By engaging with the candidates and understanding their perspectives, voters play a crucial role in shaping the future direction of our community.”
Cooktown Chamber of Commerce and Tourism president Russell Bowman echoed the sentiment, adding he was thrilled with the number of candidates who had nominated for Cook Shire for the 16 March local government elections.
“It’s encouraging to see a good range of mayoral and councillor candidates from all walks of life, who are willing to commit their next four years to the leadership of Cook Shire Council,” Mr Bowman said.
Cape York Weekly will share livestreaming details for the forum on its Facebook page when they become available.
COOK SHIRE COUNCIL MAYORAL NOMINATIONS – THREE (FOR ONCE VACANCY)
Order as per Electoral Commission of Queensland candidate nomination listing
REID, Kenny
MURRAY, Ian
HOLMES, Robyn
COOK SHIRE COUNCIL COUNCILLOR NOMINATIONS – 19 (FOR SIX VACANCIES)
Order as per Electoral Commission of Queensland candidate nomination listing
GODFREY-ROBERTS, Sam
MOESSNER, Walter Anthony
SNIDER, Nash
GOODE, Dave
MORRIS, Marilyn Joyce
PEBERDY, Beau
WATKIN, Jayson
DEAR, Gavin
DAVIDSON, Nick
HOOK, Stephanie Patrea
LOGAN, Ross
DESSMANN, John
FENG, Hongyu
WHITTAKER, Gregory
MARTIN, Sarah
MARRIOTT, Joy
COVENTRY, Justin
MASDING, Jeanne P
PARKER, Melinda
