Poll reveals little of what is in store for region vote
VOTERS today will deliver their verdict on whether the Rockhampton region should be split in two.
An unscientific phone poll conducted by The Morning Bulletin of 270 Livingstone residents set to vote at the de-amalgamation referendum revealed little of what was in store for the region.
While 105 voters said they would vote, or had already voted no for a split, 102 voters were for de-amalgamation.
But 63, or 23%, were still unsure only 24 hours before the polling booths opened.
The councillor who has made it his mission to see Livingstone returned to its former self since amalgamation occurred in 2008, was yesterday unsurprised by the number of people yet to make up their minds.
Former Livingstone mayor Bill Ludwig said he always knew it would come down to the "undecideds".
But Mayor Margaret Strelow offered some advice for those voters.
"If in doubt, vote no," she said.
Cr Ludwig said there were more voters at the Capricorn Coast that had indicated they wanted a split, compared to the northern region and Nerimbera.
"It depends on where those people were polled from," he said.
"Outer suburbs of Rocky might be leaning towards Rocky. It could be argued they have more of a community of interest with Rocky."
But Cr Ludwig said, to his mind, they were all a part of Livingstone.
If the yes vote wins:
- Should a poll be successful and executive council on the advice of the Minister for Local Government approves the de-amalgamation, transitional work will be undertaken to prepare the councils for de-amalgamation
- Should it be required, elections for new council/s are expected to be held in late 2013
Source: Queensland Boundaries Commissioner
