A Normanton schoolteacher with strong ties to tourism and youth issues is the Carpentaria Shire Council's newest councillor following the weekend's by-election.
The Electoral Commission of Queensland announced on Monday afternoon that Doug Thomas had been declared the successful candidate after receiving nearly 34 per cent of the votes following the official count.
His 207 votes made for a mathematically certain result, with the nearest other candidate, Camden Pascoe receiving 123 votes.
Of the three other candidates, Noel Scott polled 102 votes, Taren Jai Carr 100, and John Beard received 92 votes.
The by-election became necessary following the resignation of Councillor Peter Wells in March.
Councillor-elect Thomas had a long list of undertakings on his voting information sheet, including being a past teacher at the Normanton TAFE campus, being the pastor of Normanton Christian Fellowship, and as secretary of both the Lamberr Wungarch Justice Group in Normanton and the local bowls club.
He's also the founder and a director of Normanton's HOPE - domestic violence shelter and op-shop.
Saying he has worked in the tourism industry in the Carpentaria Shire, Mr Thomas said he was acutely aware of the impact that COVID-19 has had on shire businesses through frequent engagement with tourism outlets in both Karumba and Normanton.
"(I) would focus on housing, youth issues and tourism within our shire," his sheet reads. "I actively engage with all sectors of our shire's population, not only with businesses but also with everyday people on the street who may feel that they do not have a 'voice' in what happens in their community."
Commissioner Pat Vidgen said early voting numbers were around 290, while election day saw nearly 300 people cast their vote.
A small number of around 80 postal votes are still to be returned to the ECQ, however the receipt of these will not alter the election outcome.
Any additional postal votes received before the cut-off date will be counted and the results updated accordingly.
There are just over 1000 electors on the roll in Carpentaria Shire Council.
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