Recount to determine battle for Division 10

Mr Walsh held a narrow lead on the official first preference count by 7005 to 6805 votes but fell behind after the distribution of preferences .

by Cameron Outridge 

A recount was to commence today (Tuesday April 2) in the battle for Division 10, after just 25 votes separated the top two candidates.

Incumbent Councillor David Law looked to have won the race by just 25 votes, but the closeness of the contest made a recount virtually inevitable. Challenger Peter Walsh says the electoral commission notified him Saturday afternoon that his request for a recount would take place from the ECQ facility at Forest Glen from 9.15am yesterday.  

Mr Walsh held a narrow lead on the official first preference count by 7005 to 6805 votes but fell behind after the distribution of preferences with Cr Law attracting 7917 votes to Mr Walsh’s 7892.

Greens candidate Sue Etheridge’s votes flowed mainly to Cr Law, while Mr Walsh received a boost with Camillo Primavera’s supporters.

With the result so close Mr Walsh, who only returned home on Thursday from military duties, said a call for a recount was the obvious decision.

“So after the preference count, I only lost by 25 votes,” he said. “However, I’ve asked for a recount to ensure that each vote has been put in its correct location.

“Win or lose, one of the main things that I experienced during the campaign was the amazing people I met along the way, many I now call friends. And I believe that in campaigning, you actually get to feel and hear what is important to people in our local communities. 

“The Sunshine Coast Council’s first priority should be to get back to basics when providing service that supports individuals, families, local business and the broader community. It is about building strong, thriving, resilient communities across the hinterland.”

‘Hinterland feels like it’s been left behind’

Mr Walsh emphasised the importance of representing the needs of the people and understanding their diverse community priorities. 

“One thing that’s quite clear throughout the campaign, is that the hinterland feels like it’s being left behind, and needs a voice that’s going to advocate for, and reduce the gap between the hinterland and the coast.  

“I hope, if I’m not successful, that Cr David Law can be that voice, because something has to change for the Division 10 communities.”

If elected, Mr Walsh said he would address key issues raised by the communities throughout the campaign such as; supporting the community objection to the proposed plan for the Dulong and Image Flat quarries, an action plan for homelessness and vulnerable people, increased parking in towns, a community swimming pool for Yandina, increased community safety, revitalisation for small businesses and a review of waste management systems.

“At the end of the day, I stood for council because I could no longer watch what was happening within the Division 10 communities. I believe that our communities need to move from survive to thrive, with a representative that is willing to be the voice of the many.”