The Townsville mayoral by-election is intensifying as candidates outline their priorities for the city. The Electoral Commission of Queensland has begun mailing postal ballots, which must be completed and returned by 6pm on November 15.
The by-election follows the suspension of former mayor Troy Thompson, who was elected in March 2024 but suspended in November amid a Crime and Corruption Commission investigation. The investigation, which has concluded but not publicly released findings, began after Thompson incorrectly stated his defence career involved the SAS. Thompson, who resigned while suspended to contest the by-election, denies wrongdoing and promises to audit the last two decades of council spending if re-elected.
Other candidates include Harry Patel, a former nurse and long-time mayoral hopeful, who opposes rate increases and paid parking on The Strand. Nick Dametto, a former Katter's Australian Party MP now running as an independent, focuses on improving city maintenance and lobbying for funding to redevelop The Strand. Chris Poulsen, a restaurant owner and former financial planner, wants better overall city maintenance and supports environmental approvals for water sports on Ross River Dam. Acting mayor Ann-Maree Greaney campaigns for community consultation on budgets and pledges to never introduce parking meters on The Strand.
