The Electoral Commission of Queensland has begun mailing postal ballots for the Townsville mayoral by-election, scheduled for November 15. Voters must complete and post their ballots by 6pm on that day.
The by-election follows the suspension of former mayor Troy Thompson, who was elected in March 2024 and suspended in November due to a Crime and Corruption Commission investigation. The investigation concluded, but findings have not been released. Thompson resigned while suspended to contest the by-election and denies any wrongdoing.
Candidates have outlined their priorities. Thompson promises an audit of the past two decades of council spending and a focus on basic services. Harry Patel, a former nurse and fourth-time candidate, opposes rate increases and paid parking on The Strand. Nick Dametto, a former Katter's Australian Party MP running as an independent, wants to improve city maintenance and lobby for federal funding to redevelop The Strand.
Chris Poulsen, a restaurant owner and former financial planner, emphasizes maintenance across the city and supports environmental approvals for water sports on the Ross River Dam. Acting mayor Ann-Maree Greaney pledges community consultation on budgets and opposes parking meters on The Strand.
