townsville mayoral election

Townsville Waits: Dametto Leads But Patience Required in Mayoral Election

The race to lead Queensland's largest provincial city is on a knife-edge, with former state MP Nick Dametto emerging as the early frontrunner. However, election officials and analysts are urging residents to temper expectations, as the final result for the next Townsville mayor is unlikely to be known for some time.

In a tightly contested field of seven candidates, the first preference votes have begun to paint a picture of a competitive race. While the counting of ballots is underway, the distribution of preferences and the high number of postal votes mean the final outcome could be delayed well into the weekend or early next week.

A Crowded Field Complicates the Count

The 2025 Townsville mayoral election has captured the attention of the north Queensland community, featuring a diverse lineup of contenders aiming to replace outgoing mayor Troy Thompson. With seven names on the ballot paper, the potential for a split vote is significant, making the distribution of preferences the critical factor in determining the winner.

According to reports from The Cairns Post, the sheer number of candidates is the primary reason for the anticipated delay. In a multi-candidate contest where no single nominee is expected to secure an absolute majority (over 50%) of first-preference votes, the count must proceed to a "two-candidate preferred" tally. This process involves eliminating the lowest-polling candidates and redistributing their votes based on the preferences indicated by voters.

"Residents should temper their expectations," one report noted, explaining that with a crowded field, a definitive result is rarely immediate. The counting process is meticulous and legally governed, ensuring every vote is accounted for.

Dametto Surges Ahead in Early Count

As the first votes were tallied, former Katter's Australian Party (KAP) MP Nick Dametto established a commanding lead. Reporting from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and the Townsville Bulletin indicates that Dametto has dominated the early stages of the count.

Dametto, a well-known figure in the region due to his tenure in state parliament and his work as a political staffer, appears to have resonated with a significant portion of the electorate. His campaign focused heavily on public safety, infrastructure, and a return to "common sense" governance—themes that have historically played well in the north.

While his early lead is promising for his campaign, political analysts warn that early counts can be deceptive. The final result hinges entirely on where the preferences from the eliminated candidates flow. In past elections, candidates who led on initial counts have sometimes been overtaken once preferences are distributed.

The Mechanics of the Wait: Why It Takes So Long

For many voters, the question remains: why can't we know the result tonight? The answer lies in the complex logistics of modern elections and the specific laws governing local government in Queensland.

1. Postal Votes: In regional centres like Townsville, a significant number of voters utilise postal ballots. These votes can take days to arrive at the electoral office after election day. Under Queensland Electoral Commission (QEC) rules, these votes are valid as long as they are received by a specific deadline, which is typically several days after the election.
2. Preference Distribution: With seven candidates, QEC officials must first ensure all formal first-preference votes are counted. Then, the lowest-ranking candidate is eliminated, and their votes are sorted according to the number "2" written on the ballot. This is a laborious, manual process that is repeated until only two candidates remain.
3. Scrutiny and Certification: Once a clear two-candidate preferred leader is identified, the Electoral Commissioner must officially declare the result. This cannot happen until the outcome is mathematically certain or the deadline for postal votes has passed.

The Stakes for the 'City of the North'

Townsville is the unofficial capital of northern Queensland, a vital hub for defence, education, and agriculture. The outcome of this election is crucial for the region's future direction. The new mayor will inherit a council facing significant challenges, including managing the city's post-COVID economic recovery, maintaining essential infrastructure, and fostering growth in key sectors like defence manufacturing and renewable energy.

The mayor plays a pivotal role in advocating for Townsville at both the state and federal levels. Whether it is securing funding for the Port of Townsville expansion or lobbying for more resources for local healthcare, the leadership of the council is intrinsically linked to the city's prosperity.

The Contenders: A Field of Familiar Faces

The seven candidates vying for the top job represent a cross-section of the community. While Nick Dametto has been the standout in the early count, the other candidates bring diverse perspectives to the table.

• Nick Dametto: Leveraging his political experience and name recognition. His platform is built on law and order and cutting council "red tape."
• Other Candidates: The remaining field includes business owners, community advocates, and political independents. While they trail in the early stages, their preferences are the key to unlocking the final result.

Historically, mayoral elections in Townsville have seen fierce competition, often resulting in narrow margins. This election continues that tradition, highlighting the engaged and passionate nature of the local electorate.

What Happens Next?

As the counting continues through the week, the QEC will provide regular updates. The focus will shift from the initial "first past the post" tally to the "two-candidate preferred" count.

Potential Scenarios:

• A Clear Winner: If Dametto's primary vote is high enough, and his rival's preferences flow strongly to him, a result could be declared sooner rather than later.
• A Long Wait: If the race between the second and third-placegetters is tight, the elimination process will take longer. Furthermore, if the distribution of preferences is volatile, the lead could change hands multiple times before a winner is confirmed.

The Cairns Post rightly advises that patience is the virtue required right now. The integrity of the election process is paramount, and ensuring every vote is counted correctly is more important than a quick result.

The Path to a Result

The Townsville mayoral election of 2025 is a testament to the democratic process. It is messy, it is slow, but it is thorough. While Nick Dametto sits in the box seat, the race is far from over until the last ballot is scrutinised.

For the residents of Townsville, the waiting game has begun. The city watches on, waiting to see who will take the reins and guide the "City of the North" into its next chapter. The result will not only define the immediate future of the Townsville City Council but also signal the political mood of a crucial region in Queensland.