High turnover of councillors expected

The turnover of mayors and councillors at the 28 April Queensland local government elections could be an average 40 percent across the state and higher in some individual councils.

A pre-election analysis of the 2012 contest by the Local Government Association of Queensland has speculated that the turnover rate among the state's 73 local councils will be higher than in previous elections.

The LGAQ analysis of the election predicted that turnover rates "are expected to be in the range of 35% to 45%, possibly higher in some councils''.

There are 17 mayors, including several high profile local government figures, who have opted not to recontest at this election.

They include Sunshine Coast Mayor, Bob Abbot, Gold Coast Mayor Ron Clarke, who unsuccessfully ran for state parliament, Mackay Mayor Col Meng and Townsville Mayor Les Tyrell.

However, fewer mayors are standing down at the election than in previous polls.

A copy of the LGAQ pre-election analysis of the 2012 local government poll can be found at www.lgaq.asn.au

The LGAQ has also warned voters that, unlike at the recent State election, absentee voting is not allowed in the local government poll.

LGAQ chief executive Greg Hallam said that while the Electoral Commission of Queensland was conducting the local government elections, different arrangements applied to voting at the council poll.

"People may be under the wrong belief that since the ECQ is running the elections that they are able to vote absentee like they can in state elections,'' Mr Hallam said.

"But there has never been provision for absentee voting at council elections and if you turn up to vote at a polling booth outside your local government area you will not be able to lodge a proper vote.''

Pre-polling and postal voting options are available and details can be obtained from the ECQ ''