Noosa Council’s mayor-in-waiting says he’s “optimistic” of taking the top job, but two of his fellow candidates say he faces a tough ask to unite a “regressive” council and “divided” community.
Frank Wilkie, who is the current deputy mayor, as of Tuesday held about 40 per cent of the vote, ahead of Ingrid Jackson (23 per cent), Nick Hluszko (21 per cent) and John Morrall (15 per cent). About 78 per cent of votes had been counted.
Mr Wilkie said he was hopeful of maintaining his lead and was excited to see the make-up of the new council.
“I’m very grateful to have had such solid support and, with preferences still to be distributed, optimistic,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the mix of candidates the community selects and working well with them.”
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He said the lead-up to Saturday’s vote was “both enjoyable and personally difficult”.
“This time there’s been interesting new participants, like the rise of the My Place citizens and fishing groups,” he said.
“Both have been giving voters their own information and how-to-vote cards, and seeking to influence the result.
“It’s said that all is fair in love, war and politics. My team has been committed to running a positive, issues-focused and fact-based campaign.”
But Ms Jackson said her own campaign efforts had been affected by “dirty politics”.
“I’m disappointed that the regressive and moribund state of Noosa Council will continue,” she said.
“The virulence of dirty politics against me and other leading candidates did not surprise me, but I had hoped for better.”
Ms Jackson said she and other prominent candidates had been “smeared, derided and attacked” on social media and by email, had campaign signage stolen and defaced, and her polling booth volunteers reported being intimidated.
“As the frontrunner, Frank Wilkie achieved 40 per cent of the primary vote, I guess he’ll become mayor knowing that 60 per cent of the shire didn’t want him,” she said.
That sentiment was echoed by Mr Hluszko, who said the unofficial results showed the division in the Noosa community.
“Three mayoral candidates whose policies were similar and opposed the deputy mayor’s policies garnered 60 per cent of the vote so far,” he said.
“To me this is a clear indication of how divided the community still is. When there is no clear people’s mandate, reuniting and leading the community will be extremely difficult, if at all possible.
“This has always been the community’s criticism, meaning that policy and management by council has reflected the goals and aspirations of the minority and not the majority.
“It’s hard to see a great deal of positivity here, especially if he continues the same policies and management, as has been in the past. I truly worry there will be ongoing problems and even possibly backlash on key issues.
“That said, I have enjoyed the process and the experience (of running for mayor). I have learned so much more about the community and have had my perspectives on what really matters to all affirmed or put into perspective better.
“Given that my campaign from start to finish was only eight weeks … to get some 21 per cent of the vote has been humbling.”
Mr Wilkie said if he was elected mayor his priorities would be “helping settle in the new team so we can be making decisions in the best long-term interests of the community as quickly as possible”.
“Apart from keeping rates as low as possible and ensuring the council is set up to deliver quality services and facilities, residents are wanting actions to address traffic congestion and crowding, short-term accommodation impacts and better environmental protections,” he said.
Mr Wilkie also paid tribute to his fellow mayoral candidates.
“Campaigns can be brutal, and in the age of social media especially more so,” he said.
“Having won and lost elections, I’ve only respect for any candidate who nominates and runs. It’s important we remember that they and their families are human.”
Mr Morrall was also contacted for comment.
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