Barcoo Shire Council by-election date announced

The Electoral Commission of Queensland said candidate nominations would open today, and close at midday on Monday, February 8.

The by-election was prompted by the resignation of Councillor Ingrid Miller who resigned on January 20, for personal and family reasons.

She received the second highest vote percentage in the March 2020 shire ballot of 15.09 per cent.

ECQ commissioner Pat Vidgen said council had requested a full postal ballot be held to elect a new councillor, with about 200 eligible voters in the region.

He said ballot materials would be dispatched to electors from Tuesday, February 9, with voting to be completed by 6pm on Saturday, March 6.

"Under the Local Government Act 2009, councils may choose whether to conduct a by-election, or appoint a runner-up to a councillor's position, should it become vacant within 12 months of a local government election," Mr Vidgen said.

"The act also requires the vacancy to be filled within two months of the position becoming vacant.

"Barcoo Shire Council resolved to request a by-election through full postal ballot for the region's 200 or so electors, and this has been approved by the Deputy Premier and Minister for Local Government, Steven Miles."

Mr Vidgen said voters should check they are enrolled correctly before the close of the roll at 5pm on Thursday, February 4.