Big majority for Fuller in Gunnedah Shire Council election

Long-serving Gunnedah councillor Colleen Fuller has been re-elected for her sixth, four-year term on local government.

“It’s a privilege and an honour,” she said.

With about 75 per cent of votes counted, Mrs Fuller dominated the Gunnedah Shire Council election, winning almost 33 per cent of first preference votes – at least 2262 votes by the last count earlier this week.

Of those, 1358 of Mrs Fuller’s votes were recorded at Gunnedah pre-poll – more than triple the next best candidate at this voting centre.

Her first preference votes were easily the highest at all four polling places across the Gunnedah shire – Gunnedah Town Hall, Gunnedah South, Carroll, Curlewis and Mullaley.

Mrs Fuller also polled a high percentage at the 2021 Local Government Election when she won almost 27 per cent of the vote – second only to Jamie Chaffey at 28 per cent.

After campaigning on a platform of 20 years’ local government experience, Mrs Fuller told the community pre-election she would not accept Gunnedah’s proposed 38.8 per cent special rate variation.

“There are families doing it really tough and I have pensioners, farmers, businesses and one-income households that just cannot afford it,” she said.

Mrs Fuller said a compromise was needed and suggested a “small rate rise” over several years would be a better option – especially considering many people she spoke to during the election were also opposed to a reduction in council services.

Roads would also be high on Mrs Fuller’s first priorities for the new council, as well as completing major projects already started such as the koala park and saleyards.

“We should finish what we started but I don’t want us putting any more money into [the projects],” she said.

Outside council, Mrs Fuller is a representative on committees such as Gunnedah Meals on Wheels, Yallambee Aged Care, Gunnedah Miners’ Support Group, Pink Up Gunnedah and a life member of the Local Government Women’s Association.

Mrs Fuller said she would be nominating for both mayor and deputy mayor positions.

“I’ll be throwing my hat in the ring,” she said.

Candidates Rob Hooke and Ann Luke, both who are seeking re-election on council, have also indicated interest in nominating for mayor should the opportunity arise.

“Ultimately it’s in (councillors’) hands but yes I’ll be putting my hand up,” Mr Hooke said.

Ann held a similar sentiment but was yet to confirm a definite position.

“I am considering it at this stage,” she said.

Read about the other candidates here: Long road still ahead for remaining candidates – Gunnedah Times