Economy
STATE, LOCAL: Lord Mayor Hickey, Kent takes control, Slade slain
THURSDAY …
• ABC: Sue Hickey elected Hobart Lord Mayor over Damon Thomas HERE
EARLIER …
HOBART’s incumbent Lord Mayor Damon Thomas is in a knife-edge battle to retain the top job with just a whisker separating him and rival Sue Hickey.
Glenorchy is set for a fresh face mayor in criminologist Kristie Johnston while flamboyant Glamorgan Spring Bay Mayor Bertrand Cadart has been knocked out of top spot in the Tasmanian local government elections.
With 100 per cent of the votes counted, Alderman Johnston crushed incumbent Glenorchy Mayor Stuart Slade after racking up 58 per cent of the vote compared with 22 for Alderman Slade.
The qualified criminologist and community advocate said she was overwhelmed and surprised by the results.
“People have decided it’s time for a change and they’re upset with the state of the city and the unreasonable rate increases,” she said.
Ald Johnston will most likely be joined by former federal MP Harry Quick as deputy mayor who claimed 29 per cent of first preferences.
With all votes counted in Hobart last night, Ald Thomas just snuck ahead of Ald Hickey by 13 first preference votes.
The outcome will come down to preferences today.
The deputy lord mayor position was also shaping as a close race, with Greens alderman Bill Harvey leading the pack.
On the East Coast, Cr Cadart was narrowly defeated by businessman Michael Kent on preferences, despite receiving most primary votes.
Mr Kent said he would lobby the State Government to put money into Graeme Wood’s Spring Bay Mill project and encourage his developer mates to invest in the region.
• Latest results from the Tasmanian Electoral Commission, HERE
• The Examiner’s coverage HERE
MEANWHILE …