Candidates coy on mayoral tilt in 2024 election

Only one candidate has declared their intentions to run for mayor at Cairns Regional Council’s 2024 elections as former candidates urge new blood to come forward.

The state government has announced the council elections will happen on March 16, 2024, but some Cairns residents are frustrated over the lack of hands so far.

For the first time since 2000, an incumbent mayor will not contest the election after Cairns mayor Bob Manning confirmed he planned to step down after his third term.

It opens the starting gates to fresh leadership among a wide field of previously untested candidates.

But only deputy mayor Terry James has so far confirmed his intentions to run for the top job.

Former mayor Kevin Byrne and councillor Richie Bates have said they’re keeping their “options open”.

Whether or not Division 1 councillor Brett Moller or Division 5 councillor Amy Eden will contest remains unknown.

Prominent Far North businessman Nick Loukas confirmed he was interested.

“I’m still on the fence … I won’t make a decision until mid-year. I’m keeping an eye on (who’s running),” Mr Loukas said.

Former mayoral candidate and Kewarra Beach resident Ian Lydiard said he is hoping to see some fresh blood.

“There are some people out there who would be quite capable, but I don’t think anyone’s going to put their hand up until three to six months out,” Mr Lydiard said.

“People don’t want their names in lights right now, opening themselves up to (criticism).”

Mr Lydiard said the 2024 election was a chance for a fresh start for Cairns.

Mooroobool resident John Kelly, the 2016 Rise Up Australia candidate for the federal seat of Leichhardt, had been considering a mayoral run but has since decided against.

He said he was disappointed by the lack of visionary candidates.

“There’s a lack of enthusiasm. It’s hard to find support in Cairns, but if you can find support this city can be fixed up,” Mr Kelly said.

Council seats for Division 2 and Division 7 will also be open without contests from incumbents as Rob Pyne and Max O’Halloran have confirmed they won’t be on the ballot.

Nathan Lee Long, UDIA Cairns branch president, said he was interested in running for a councillor role.

“It’s under serious consideration,” he said.