Mareeba elects new councillor in costly by-election

Mareeba Shire Council

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Mareeba Shire Councillors Amy Braes, Mladin Bosnic, Mary Graham, Angela Toppin, Lenore Wyatt, Ross Cardillo and Nipper Brown. Picture: Mladin Bosnic

The man who was runner-up to Mareeba Shire councillor Kevin Davies has been voted in at a by-election triggered by Mr Davies’ death in January.

Mareeba man Mladen Bosnic was not, as widely expected, offered the role but still elected in a by-election criticised by ratepayers as costly and unwarranted, despite the Local Government Act 2009 determining that either a by-election should be held or the role could be offered to the runner-up.

Mr Bosnic, who narrowly missed out on becoming a councillor in March 2024, had also joined the chorus of ratepayers disappointed in the move to proceed to a by-election. He said in February the move and comments by councillors in the special meeting to determine it, didn’t “pass the pub test”.

Following his win, Mr Bosnic said he was ready to give his all.

“This is not my first crack at becoming a councillor and I’m eager and ready to get to work,” he said.

“Once I am onboard I’ll be brought up to date and we will be able to plan how we move forward.’’

The by-election for Division 1 was held by postal vote on April 5 with Mr Bosnic declared the winner with 38.91 (4090) per cent of the vote on Wednesday, April 16.

He narrowly beat out Alan Pederson who received 3938 votes, 37.46 per cent.

Mareeba Shire Mayor Angela Toppin said she was looking forward to working with Mr Bosnic.

 

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