Council ready for new wave of leaders

KING Island Mayor Marcus Blackie has called on King Islanders with a willingness to serve to consider running for council. 

King Island will be going to the polls following the resignation of councillor Duncan McFie. 

“Succession planning is an important consideration for the future of our council this time around, so I particularly encourage fresh blood and younger generations to step up,” Mr Blackie said.

 “The candidate elected in this by-election for the remainder of this current council term has an ideal apprenticeship for future service among very experienced mentors. 

“Furthermore, we always need the right representative leadership to chart our future upward trajectory. 

He said with council now 117 years old, local elected officials stand on the shoulders of giants, with “a great legacy to continue”. 

“Having received the resignation of Cr. Duncan McFie from council the Tasmanian Electoral Commission (TEC) was subsequently notified,” Acting council general manger Catherine Dale said.

The TEC has declared the ninth King Island Council seat now vacant, with a local by-election to be held. 

“As the vacating councillor was one of eight candidates elected unopposed in October 2022, a recount of ballot papers to fill this vacancy is not possible,” the TEC advised. 

Nominations for the vacant seat open Monday, September 2 and close Tuesday, September 10, with nominations announced on September 11. Voting is compulsory and is a postal vote in Tasmanian local government elections. 

Ballot packs will be delivered by post from Monday, September 16. The polls close at 2 pm Thursday, October 3 with counting of ballot papers commencing at 9am Friday, October 4. 

“On behalf of the council, I thank and acknowledge the long period of elected service provided by Mr McFie,” Ms Dale said. 

Mr Blackie called on King Islanders to get in the arena. 

“Come and fight the good fight with myself and our outstanding current councillors,” he said. 

“Information for prospective candidates will be released shortly and meantime, I encourage you to undertake the required Local Government study, review our recent council meetings and personally attend the next few meetings before the by-election,” he said. 

The term of office of the elected councillor will be until the completion of the next ordinary election, which is due to be held in September/October 2026.