Election needs to go ahead: NWQ leaders

With the Queensland local government election day only four days away, the organisation of the eight councils of North West Queensland has called for the current election to continue.

Executive Officer of the North West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (NWQROC), Greg Hoffman PSM said: “As the world moves to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, now more than ever we need certainty in our local communities and local government leaders empowered to make the decisions and provide the support their residents need.“

“NWQROC urges the Electoral Commission Queensland (ECQ) to continue with the election – but it must ensure that the safety of its polling staff, electors and candidates is its top priority,” Mr Hoffman said.

“The election should only take place if the ECQ ramps up its efforts to enforce the social distancing protocols within polling procedures and actively manage queueing.”

“Across all levels of government we need to keep moving so that we are positioned to best deliver the essential services and direction for our communities during this critical time.”

“We are very close to the finish line now. We need to get this job done so we can ensure that the councils, especially our smaller remote councils, are back in place and fully operational.”

“We wish all candidates the best and look forward to seeing the results following the closing of the polls on 28 March 2020.”

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Contact:

Greg Hoffman PSM | 0418 756 005 | nwqroc@carpentaria.qld.gov.au