Mayoral-elect Joe Paronella will lead a completely new council on the Tablelands, with current trends showing a strong female presence.
With 68% of the vote counted, Mr Paronella, a business owner who served in the former Atherton Shire Council, was leading with 51% of the vote to his nearest rival, incumbent councillor Rod Marti on 33%. Cr Marti conceded defeat Sunday morning.
Based on current trends, the new look council will include Kate Eden (elected unopposed), former Herberton councillor Annette Haydon, auctioneer Anthony Ball, training professional Katrina Spies and economic development consultant Bronwyn Voyce. Division 4 remains close, with Michael Lawrence and Samantha Banks fighting it out.
The new-look council has a formidable road ahead to claw back the support of residents and ratepayers after a tumultuous four year period under the former council, plagued with in-fighting and allegations of wrong-doing.
Expectations are high that the incoming council will work as a cohesive, cooperative team for the betterment of the region.
Mr Paronella said he was looking forward to working with the six new councillors and “the challenge that faces us to make our region the best that it can be”.
