Jeremy Neal appointed as new Division 4 Councillor

Jeremy Neal has been appointed as Cairns Regional Council’s new Division 4 Councillor.

Cr Neal was elected at today’s Special Council Meeting to fill the vacancy created when Councillor Terry James was appointed Mayor of Cairns (by a vote of Councillors) following the resignation of former Mayor Bob Manning.

Mayor Terry James congratulated Cr Neal on the appointment.

“Our new colleague will attend his first official Council meeting next Wednesday (24 January),” Cr James said.

“I’m pleased we have settled the Council team that will serve our residents until the election on 16 March 2024.

“Following the devasting flooding event last month, as a Council we need to be determined and committed to do our absolute best on behalf of the community.

“We also acknowledge the effort made by the other seven people who nominated for the vacant Councillor position.

“I thank all the nominees for taking the time to apply and outlining how passionate they are about serving on Council.

“We all look forward to the contribution that Cr Neal will bring to his position.”

Cairns Regional Council was required to follow the legislated requirements under the Local Government Act 2009 (LGA) to fill the vacant Councillor position for the remainder of the term.

Under the LGA there was no requirement to hold an election to fill the vacant office of Councillor as the vacancy was too close (within 12 months) to the next quadrennial local government election.