Early democracy sausages as Queanbeyan votes in new council

It's an exciting time for the region, as the council will have a new look, with six of the current 11 councillors deciding not to contest this election, including outgoing mayor Tim Overall.

Results were slowly beginning to trickle in on Saturday night but the make-up of the new-look council was not expected to be known for several days.

The community remains curious as to what this will mean in the future, with parents and citizens member Kylie Prescott saying it will be interesting to see what's next.

"We haven't had too much commentary on the election results themselves yet, but I think the community's really keen to see the results and learn more about what this means for the future of our region," Ms Prescott said.

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"It's been a beautiful day and the school communities have a lot of hope with what's to come.

"The council supports a lot of projects that are in the pipeline for us currently, so we certainly want to know what that means for Jerrabomberra and beyond.

"There's been a nice flow of locals coming in to get their democracy sausage, and it's a really great opportunity for the parents and citizens to do some fundraising after a year of lockdown impacting out events."

For some voters, this time was a great excuse to enjoy lunch and embrace the warmer weather as father and son from Queanbeyan, Peter and Matthew Redpath explained.

"We're enjoying the sausage sizzle, you couldn't ask for a better day with the rain kicking off," Peter Redpath said.

"The voting is pretty straightforward, it's been the year of changes so hopefully this change of council will be healthy for everybody."

Current councillor Kenrick Winchester is one of the few running for re-election and couldn't be more eager for what's next.

"It seems like we've got a lot of good people putting their hands up, so I'm very excited about what's to come with the council," Mr Winchester said.

"There's likely going to be a big mix of councillors with a lot of different people from a lot of different groups.

"That's a really good thing, because it means there won't be one block of votes, instead there will have to be some consensus from everyone working together, which is a nice change and bring it on I say."

Some local voters share this view for change. Manuel Navarro said with the city growing there was a greater need for expansion.

"Jerrabomberra and Queanbeyan have a pretty relaxing atmosphere but it would be nice to improve the area with whoever is the next mayor," Mr Navarro said.

"Right now me and my family have to go to Woden for any shopping or restaurants, so Queanbeyan could definitely improve with nicer facilities and opportunities.

"I think that would make the place more attractive, which would be good to see as more people and families live here."

Mr Winchester said whoever was the next mayor, diversity and representation should be an absolute priority, as predictions on results were prevalent throughout the day.

"It's very difficult to say who will become mayor, of the people running I would have thought only three are contenders which is myself, Michele Biscotti and potentially Mareeta Grundy, who are all great," Mr Winchester said.

"At the same time the Liberals or Labor could come out and get three or four people elected which would be a fair argument for them to be the leader as they would have that support from the community.

"Either way, I'm very excited for what's to come and we'll probably get a decent idea on Sunday or Monday of the majority of the council that is going to be elected."

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