Young guns earn their stripes as old favourites return

Council election results so far, P16-17

MEET the council’s two new young guns – and may the force be with them for the next four years.

Mark Hammel in Division 1 laughed off the odd Star Wars reference during the council poll, and Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden in Division 7 created much comment on social media when he posted gymnastic shots of himself flying skywards off beach benches.

Mr Hammel told the Bulletin: “I’m extremely humbled by the confidence so many residents in Division 1 have shown in me and I want to thank each and every one of them for their vote.

“It’s clear by the results that Division 1 residents wanted a real local in council. It’s also clear they don’t want party politics and questionable preference deals occurring. To me, this result is a rejection of both these things.”

With almost 24 per cent of the vote counted, Mr Hammel had secured more than 43 per cent of the primary vote. Renee Clark was second on more than 30 per cent.

“I decided to run for council because this is my home, I love it and want to protect the lifestyle and liveability of the area for future generations. I will fight for our home and community like you have never seen before,” he said.

Mr Bayldon-Lumsden secured almost 60 per cent of the vote, after 20 per cent was counted, in a stunning victory in Division 7.

“I’m very humbled by all,” the 27-year-old said.

“My message of liveability for residents, integrity and the environment resonated with a lot of people but what was most appreciated was the hard work in speaking with the community, listening to their views and sharing my message.

“Still early days but I’m very happy with the results so far. ” it

In the new Division 4, councillors Cameron Caldwell and Kristyn Boulton are conducting a fierce fight with only a few hundred votes separating them as only early voting numbers remained posted online by the Electoral Commission of Queensland last night.

Councillor William OwenJoness is emerging a winner in Division 2 with almost 57 per cent of the vote in a two-horse race with John Wayne.

Deputy Mayor Donna Gates secured 77 per cent of the vote against Wayne Purcell in Division 3. Cr Peter

Young was re-elected unopposed in Division 5.

Brooke Patterson had more than 40 per cent of the vote in Division 6 in the race to replace the retiring Dawn Crichlow. Shaelee Welchman was second on 23 per cent.

Long-serving councillor Bob La Castra is in a tighter race than expected in Division 8, scoring more than 48 per cent of the vote. Hinterland councillor Glenn Tozer is resting easy with almost 60 per cent of the vote in Division 9.

Division 10 will be the most watched in the next week with only a handful of votes separating Eddy Sarroff and Darren Taylor. Preferences will determine the result.

Hermann Vorster had runaway support in Division 11, securing almost 73 per cent. Pauline Young is safe in Division 13 with more than 44 per cent of the vote after facing candidates Cathy Osborne, Zac Revere and Scott Turner.

Veteran councillor Daphne McDonald (44 per cent) will return in Division 13 where Bern Young (15.74) and Katrina Beikoff (27.75) along with Scott Wallace (12.55) did not exchange preferences.

In Division 14, Councillor Gail O’Neill can feel confident in her mandate for the trams and development in the south after polling 62 per cent compared to community volunteer Gloria Baker on 37 per cent.