Mackay by-election announced 

Published on 18 July 2025

Over 90,000 people in Mackay Regional Council will return to the polls to choose a replacement councillor at a by-election planned for Saturday 30 August 2025.

The Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) confirmed the by-election would be a full postal ballot for all Mackay residents.

Electoral Commissioner Pat Vidgen said nominations for the councillor position were now open. He encourages anyone interested in representing their community to nominate before 12 noon on Thursday 24 July 2025.

“When nominating, several important steps must be taken, so I urge anyone interested to do this as soon as possible,” Mr Vidgen said.

Potential candidates must make sure they are eligible to nominate, pay a deposit of $250, open a dedicated campaign bank account and complete the free ‘So you want to be a councillor’ online training through the Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers website.

Each independent candidate must be endorsed by at least six eligible nominators currently enrolled in Mackay Regional Council. Information for candidates is available on the Election Participants page of the ECQ’s website.

“Postal vote materials will be mailed to each voter, so it’s important to make sure your enrolment details are up to date,” he said.

If you enrolled to vote with a postal address that is different from your enrolled address, your postal vote materials will be mailed to the postal address.

If you need your postal vote materials mailed to a different address, have moved and need to change your address or are enrolling for the first time, you must update your details or enrol by 5pm on Tuesday 22 July 2025 at the Australian Electoral Commission’s website.

“Postal votes will be sent shortly after the close of nominations and the draw for ballot paper order is finalised,” said Mr Vidgen.

“Please keep an eye out for your ballot materials in the mail,” he said.

The Mackay Regional Council by-election results from the resignation of Councillor George Christensen on 30 May 2025.

Keep up to date with the Mackay Regional Council by-election at the ECQ’s website or on social media @electoralcommissionqld. You can also call us on 1300 881 665 for more information.

Media statement by Electoral Commission Queensland, 15 July 2025.