Caretaker Period Commences at Gympie Regional Council

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Published
7th February 2024

Gympie Regional Council is officially in Caretaker Period following the Electoral Commission of Queensland’s announcement that local government elections will be held on Saturday, 16 March 2024. The 2024 local government elections will include elections for mayors and councillors in each of Queensland’s 77 councils.

Queensland State Government legislation limits local governments from publishing election material and making major policy decisions. This ensures there are no significant policy decisions made near the end of the current council term that bind the future elected council.

During the caretaker period, councillors are prohibited from making decisions: 

  • about the appointment, remuneration, or termination of a chief executive officer 
  • to enter a contract greater than $200,000 or 1% (whichever is greater) of the local government’s net rate and utility charges (as stated in the local government’s audited financial statements included in the local government’s most recently adopted annual report) 
  • significant procurement activities, such as establishing preferred supplier arrangements, or establishing exceptions to obtaining quotes or tenders when entering a contract
  • to make, amend, or repeal local laws
  • to make, amend, or repeal a local planning instrument under the Planning Act 2016 

Gympie Regional Council cannot publish or distribute election material that could influence an elector about their vote or affect the election result, for example, fact sheets, social media posts, or newsletters that raise the profile of a councillor.

Gympie Regional Council Chief Executive Officer Robert Jennings says the Caretaker Period policies and procedures are important as they protect our current elected officials, our staff, and the organisation.

“The upcoming elections are an important time for both our organisation and the community. We have taken the necessary steps to prepare both the councillors and our staff to help them understand the appropriate standards, restrictions, and their responsibilities during the Caretaker Period,” said Jennings.

For all media enquiries relating to Gympie Regional Council operational matters during the Caretaker Period, please contact communications@gympie.qld.gov.au  

For more information about the 2024 local government elections, visit www.gympie.qld.gov.au/2024-local-government-election or www.ecq.qld.gov.au