Rockhampton and Townsville council by-elections to be held on January 23

Early voting will commence from Monday, January 11.

The by-elections were triggered by the resignation of Rockhampton Mayor Margaret Strelow, and the election of Townsville's Division 10 councillor Les Walker to the electorate of Mundingburra at October's state election.

Five well-known Rockhampton figures have already put their name in the ring for the Rockhampton mayor position.

ECQ commissioner Pat Vidgen said amendments to the Local Government Act 2009 passed by the Queensland parliament on Wednesday, December 2, included two key changes important to the current vacancies.

"Firstly, in the event of a mayoral vacancy, the act states a by-election must be held if the position becomes vacant within 12 months of a local government election," Mr Vidgen said.

"Secondly, the act provides for councils to resolve whether to conduct a by-election or appoint a runner-up if a councillor's position becomes vacant within the same period.

"This week, the Townsville City Council resolved for a by-election to elect a new Division 10 councillor."

Mr Vidgen said for both by-elections, the act also requires a vacancy to be filled within two months of the commencement of the legislation, which was on Friday, December 4.

"The ECQ has carefully considered the date of the by-elections given the closeness to the festive and holiday season, allowing for lead-in time, staffing provisions, and the requirement to provide 10 days following election day for the return of postal votes so that the requirements of the act can be met," he said.

"After weighing all these issues carefully, the ECQ has decided on Saturday, January 23, for election day for both councils with early voting beginning 10 voting days prior, from Monday, January 11."

Details of by-election voting locations and times for the mayor of Rockhampton Regional Council and the Division 10 councillor for Townsville City Council will be available at https://www.ecq.qld.gov.au/.