Margie Maccoll
With preferences still to be counted in the Mayoral race, the first preference count is pointing toward Frank Wilkie taking the top job.
With almost 74 per cent of the first preference vote counted on Wednesday morning when this publication went to print Frank was in the lead with almost 40 per cent of the vote, followed by Ingrid Jackson with almost 24 per cent, Nick Hluszko with about 21 per cent and John Morrall with about 15 per cent.
It could be the end of the week before the final count is in.
On Tuesday Frank said he was very grateful to have had such solid support and, with preferences still to be distributed, optimistic, and was looking forward to seeing the mix of candidates the community selects and working well with them.
Frank has much experience in council having served three terms including two as deputy mayor.
When it comes to election campaigns he describes them as “both enjoyable and personally difficult” providing lessons to be learnt.
“Campaigns can be brutal. In the age of social media, especially more so,” he said.
“Having won and lost elections, I’ve only respect for any candidate who nominates and runs. It’s important we remember that they and their families are human.
“This time, there’s been new participants, like the rise of the My Place citizens and fishing groups. Both gave voters their own information and How to Vote Cards and sought to influence the result. It’s said that all is fair in love, war and politics.”
Conducting his campaign with grace and diplomacy Frank said his team had been “committed to running a positive, issues-focused and fact-based campaign”.
Should the results stay in Frank’s favour and he is elected Noosa Mayor when councillors adopt their new roles on 3 April his first priorities will be to help settle in the new team so they can be making decisions in the best long-term interests of the community as quickly as possible.
“Apart from keeping rates as low as possible and ensuring the council is set up to deliver quality services and facilities, residents are wanting actions to address traffic congestion and crowding, short term accommodation impacts and better environmental protections,” he said.
