Fraser Coast residents will have the opportunity to nominate to serve as the Councillor for Division 7 through to the next election in March 2024, after Cr Darren Everard announced his resignation today.

Making the announcement during a Council meeting this morning, Cr Everard thanked the community, Councillors and staff, with his resignation effective from Wednesday 9 August 2023.

Cr Everard said it had been an honour to serve as a Councillor for the past 11 and a half years, including four years as Deputy Mayor, and he expressed his “sincere gratitude to the residents of Division 7”.

“The unwavering desire to serve my community was the driving force for me to run for Council in April 2012, which I have undertaken to the best of my ability,” he said.

“While my passion for my community remains, it is time for me to focus on other pursuits and skill sets while remaining a servant to the communities I love.

“I wish my fellow Councillors the very best as they continue to take our region forward and ensure this remains one of the most desirable places to live, work and play in Queensland.”

Mayor George Seymour, Councillors and CEO Ken Diehm paid tribute to Cr Everard for his commitment to the community, his energy, his integrity, his capability, his corporate knowledge and his ability to think outside the box.

As there is less than 12 months until the next local government election (March 2024), the vacancy will be filled by inviting nominations rather than a by-election.

Council will develop a ‘Nomination for Councillor Information Pack’ and call for nominations from the general public in the coming days, with the position needing to be filled within two months of the resignation date.

Individuals who meet the eligibility criteria that will be outlined in the nomination pack can register as a candidate and be considered for appointment until the end of the current electoral term in March 2024.

The major centres of Division 7 include Booral, River Heads and K’gari, with over 9000 residents registered in the division, which also includes parts of Torquay, Kawungan, Wondunna and Urangan.