Deputy Premier announces new date for Lockyer Valley Regional Council election

The Deputy Premier and Minister for Local Government, Jackie Trad has today announced the local government election in Lockyer Valley Regional Council (LVRC) will be postponed and held at the same time as the new ballot for Mayor.

“Following the sudden and sad death of Lockyer Valley Mayor Cr Steve Jones after the close of nominations, I am required to restart the election for the mayoralty of Lockyer Valley Regional Council.

"The Local Government Electoral Act 2011 also allows me as Local Government Minister to consider whether to delay the election of Councillors.

"After consultation with the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ), the Lockyer Valley Regional Council and the Local Government Association of Queensland I have decided to postpone the Local Government election schedule for Saturday, 19 March 2016.

“After these detailed discussions, the election of both the Mayor and Councillors for Lockyer Valley Regional Council will now be held on Saturday, 16 April 2016 via a full postal ballot.

“I have taken this decision so that the election of mayor and councillors can be considered at the same time by the residents of the Lockyer Valley Regional Council.

“This is to ensure that the risk of Lockyer Valley electors needing to return to the ballot box are minimised,” Ms Trad said. 

The ECQ will open nominations for the position of Mayor and Councillors on Saturday 19 March 2016

Other key dates of note are: 

Close roll:  Friday 25 March

Close of nominations: Tuesday 29 March

The change of date will have no bearing on the four year term referendum-Lockyer Valley residents who are eligible to vote will still be required to vote in the referendum on Saturday, 19 March 2016. 

Deputy Premier’s Office:  0488 996 667