What’s Happening?
The ECQ announced on 5 November 2026 that the by-election would take place on Saturday, 12 December 2026, using a full postal ballot. The announcement follows former Mayor Jos Mitchell’s resignation on 28 October, with more contenders emerging for the city’s top leadership position.
Acting Mayor Julie Talty is also entering the contest, joining Don Brown, Rowanne McKenzie, Gary Williamson, Jasmine Person and Liela D’Rose.
The Electoral Commission of Queensland opened nominations on Tuesday, 10 November, although the final candidate list remains unconfirmed.
Why It Matters
The by-election will determine who leads Redland City Council for the remainder of its current term, ahead of the 2028 local government elections. As contenders outline their priorities, Council spending, infrastructure, housing and environmental protection are becoming key campaign issues.
Electoral Commissioner Pat Vidgen has also urged residents to check their enrolment details before postal ballots are distributed.
“The most important thing for Redland voters to do now is to ensure their postal address is correct on the electoral roll,” Mr Vidgen said.
Local Impact
Residents will not need to attend polling booths, as the ECQ will mail ballot packs to eligible voters after nominations close.
Those using a different postal address from their residential address should ensure their electoral enrolment reflects the correct details. Voters must also sign their declaration envelopes and have them witnessed before returning their completed ballots.
The ECQ has provided postal voting instructions, while enrolment details can be checked or updated through the Australian Electoral Commission.
By The Numbers
The official election timetable gives residents and prospective candidates several important deadlines.
- Around 127,000 voters across Redland City are eligible to participate in the mayoral by-election, according to the ECQ.
- 19 November 2026 is the candidate nomination deadline, with applications closing at midday after the electoral roll closes on 16 November.
- 22 December 2026 is the final deadline for completed postal ballots to reach the ECQ by 5pm.
Zoom In
Who is running for Redland City Mayor?
Six people have publicly declared or been identified as intending to contest the mayoralty, although the ECQ has yet to confirm the final candidate list.
- Julie Talty – Acting Mayor and Division 6 Councillor, entering the mayoral race while continuing her Council leadership responsibilities. “My focus as Acting Mayor remains on supporting our community and providing steady leadership during this period of transition,” she said in an earlier official Council statement
- Don Brown – Former Capalaba state MP, campaigning for changes to Council spending and improved essential services. He also opposes the proposed $250 million whitewater facility. “It’s time to end the infighting, fix the mess and get Council back to basics,” Brown said in his Facebook announcement
- Rowanne McKenzie – Division 7 Councillor, focusing on rates pressure, local jobs, infrastructure and Council transparency. “I love our city, and I believe we have an important opportunity to shape its future,” she said on her Facebook page.
- Gary Williamson – Former federal candidate, proposing $200 in rates relief, changes to sewerage charges and construction of the Marina Carpark. His Instagram campaign announcement outlines these commitments.
- Jasmine Person – Solicitor, business owner and former senior local government executive, running as an independent candidate. Her priorities include transparency and accountability, Council rates, fair treatment for the Bay Islands and greater scrutiny of Council spending. “I’m completely independent: I won’t be influenced by the powers that be, and I’ll be acting for the community,” she said in her Facebook campaign statement
- Liela D’Rose – Animal Justice Party’s endorsed candidate, focusing on housing affordability, Council transparency, community spending and wildlife protection. “I’ve decided to step up and run as the endorsed Animal Justice Party candidate in this by-election,” she wrote in her Facebook announcement.
Zoom Out
The mayoral contest comes midway through the current Council term, following Mitchell’s resignation and the resulting leadership vacancy.
Although several people have announced or indicated their intention to run, public campaign statements do not guarantee a place on the ballot.
The ECQ requires candidates to meet eligibility conditions and submit their nominations before the deadline. These requirements include a nomination deposit, eligible voter endorsements and mandatory local government training where applicable.
What To Look For Next?
The mayoral field will become clearer after nominations close on Thursday, 19 November, when the ECQ can finalise the ballot order.
Residents may also hear more detailed proposals from the contenders as campaigning continues across Redland City.
With postal voting confirmed, ballot packs will be distributed after nominations close and the ballot order has been determined.
The ECQ’s election page will provide official candidate information and voting instructions as the election approaches.
