What’s Happening?
Redland City’s mayoral by-election is taking shape following Jos Mitchell’s resignation on Wednesday, 28 October 2026.
Public declarations have begun to emerge, while several other possible contenders remain unconfirmed as the city prepares to elect its new mayor.
However, as of 5 November, the Electoral Commission of Queensland has not released an official candidate list or confirmed an election date.
Why It Matters
The by-election will allow residents to choose a mayor who will lead Redland City for the remainder of the current Council term.
With major planning and infrastructure decisions ahead, the contest brings different priorities for Council spending, development and local services into focus.
Meanwhile, Acting Mayor Julie Talty continues overseeing Council operations, ensuring essential services and projects continue during the leadership transition.
Local Impact
Alongside the developing mayoral contest, Redland City Council is seeking approval for a full postal ballot.
Councillors supported the proposal at a special meeting on Thursday, 29 October, aiming to simplify voting during the Christmas period.
If approved, eligible residents would receive ballot papers by mail instead of attending polling booths. Council believes the arrangement could also reduce election costs, although final voting arrangements remain subject to approval.
Further information is available through Council’s official postal voting announcement.
By The Numbers
Several figures provide context for the emerging mayoral contest and the Council term ahead.
- Two contenders have publicly declared their intention to seek the mayoralty, although neither has been formally listed by the ECQ.
- Six years is how long Rowanne McKenzie has represented Division 7, building her experience in local government.
- 2028 is when Queensland’s next scheduled local government elections will take place, marking the end of the incoming mayor’s term.
Zoom In
Who could contest the mayoralty?
Former Capalaba state MP Don Brown has announced his campaign, calling for Council to focus on essential services and infrastructure.
In his Facebook announcement, Brown criticised internal Council disputes and called for changes to its spending priorities.
“It’s time to end the infighting, fix the mess and get Council back to basics. I’ll oppose the $250 million whitewater white elephant and fight for the services and infrastructure our community actually needs,” Brown said.
Meanwhile, Rowanne McKenzie, the sitting Division 7 Councillor, has also announced her intention to seek the mayoralty.
“I’ve made the decision to nominate for Mayor of Redland City,” McKenzie said in a statement on her Facebook page.
Her priorities include reducing pressure on residential ratepayers through economic growth, attracting investment and creating more local jobs.
She also wants better roads, drainage, parks and community infrastructure, alongside greater transparency in Council decisions and spending. On development, McKenzie believes infrastructure should come first, with the State Government and developers contributing their fair share.
Protecting the city’s environment, coastline, islands and unique communities is another priority as major regional planning decisions approach.
“I love our city, and I believe we have an important opportunity to shape its future,” she said.
McKenzie also pointed to the new City Plan, the State Government’s regional planning review and the Brisbane 2032 Games. She believes decisions made during this period will have lasting consequences for the Redlands community.
Other possible contenders remain unconfirmed.
Acting Mayor Julie Talty, former federal candidate Gary Williamson and local lawyer Jasmine Person have also been mentioned as possible contenders. Melissa Millar is another name linked to the contest.
However, as of 5 November, no direct public declarations confirming their intentions to nominate have been independently verified.
Zoom Out
The mayoral vacancy comes partway through the current Council term, requiring an election outside Queensland’s usual local government election cycle.
Under the Local Government Act 2009, a sitting councillor elected mayor must vacate their existing divisional seat.
If a current councillor wins, another Council vacancy would arise, requiring a separate process to fill the position. The Electoral Commission of Queensland will oversee the mayoral by-election, including nominations, voting arrangements and the declaration of results.
What To Look For Next?
The contest could become clearer as other prospective candidates announce their intentions and outline what they would prioritise as mayor. Residents will also gain a better understanding of the election process once postal voting arrangements and the official timetable are confirmed.
With nominations yet to open, the coming weeks could bring further announcements and a clearer choice for Redland City voters.
